Basic Auto Body Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your car is important to maintain its value. Common sense says that a shiny, scratch-free car is worth more than one that isn’t.

Remember to wash your car on a regular basis. Dirt and grime can build up, become difficult to remove, and leave small scratches when you do manage to clean it off. In addition to washing the car, you should wax it monthly, or have it waxed professionally. Wax shields your car from everyday environmental hazards such as moisture. Waxing too often can have a negative effect on the car’s appearance due to buildup.

If you already have dents or scratches due to infrequent washing, waxing or the occasional runaway grocery cart, the repair is relatively inexpensive, whether you’re doing it yourself or not. Both light and deep scratches can be removed or made significantly less noticeable by first removing the layer of clear coat paint that contains the scratch, applying a polish and finishing with wax.

Small dents can be repaired with special pullers. Don’t be fooled by television commercials that promise you can pop dents without leaving a mark. This is rarely true. After pulling a dent, the area might appear wrinkled or scratched, in which case, some putty and paint is required.

When chipped or scratched paint is left alone, the area is certain to rust over time. Rust spots spread and become even more unsightly, especially during wet seasons. To fix this, you need to remove the thick rust with a grinder and sand until smooth. An auto body filler should be used to fill dents or pits. Once finished, the bare spot needs to be primed, painted and polished. Don’t wax a fresh paint job for 30 days and remember that significant rust damage over a large area should be left to auto body maintenance professionals.