For multiple reasons, body shop auto repair should be done before the arrival of winter. There are two categories involved. First, rust is an important reason for winter auto prep. Secondly, as any auto repair shop worth their salt can tell you, body shop auto repair is often not as effective or durable when the repairs are made in cold temperatures.
Read on to learn the importance of getting your car fixed before winter whenever possible.
Why Remove Rust Before Winter?
Even if you do not have damage that you know is starting to rust on your car, it is a good idea to have your vehicle inspected for rust prior to the arrival of wintertime. Rust should always be removed immediately or, at the very least, as soon as you notice it. The safety of your family could even depend on rust removal for the following reasons:
- Rust weakens the metal, making it more susceptible to being severely damaged in the event of an accident.
- Your family is better protected when the metal on your car is rust-free.
Rust Spreads When Roads are Wet
When it rains, any rust that already exists on your car can worsen. Even the rust caused by a scratch or chip off the paint can spread.
Water Seeps into Rusted Metal
When the roads are wet in winter, rust that has already developed can begin to eat through the metal. This is because the water seeps into the rusted areas. Even a pinhole-sized rusted spot can fill with water and eat through the metal on your car or truck. It helps to schedule an inspection for treatment of any rust on the vehicle.
Road Salt Accelerates Corrosion
Several times every winter, road salt is used in the St. Louis area. The salt can multiply the risk of corrosion in rusted spots on your vehicle.
How Winter Affects Body Shop Auto Repair
Repair at an auto body shop is best before winter because repairing auto damage is more challenging in cold weather. The following are among the problems associated with doing auto repairs in winter.
Dent Removal is More Difficult
There is a complication in doing car accident repair in winter because the metal, when cold, is more prone to become damaged. When cold metal is pulled up and out to remove a dent, cracks can develop in the metal or in the paint around it. The result can be further damage and a need for more extensive repairs. Although the metal can be heated up to mitigate the issue, the metal can become soft if it’s heated up too much. It is important to trust the work to seasoned professionals.
Paint Curing is a Challenge in Winter
Paint is a major issue associated with winter body shop auto repair. The paint takes longer to dry when it’s cold. Freezing temperatures have the effect of causing fresh paint to flake off or crack rather than curing thoroughly. There are strategies to tackle this problem, such as painting cars in a temperature-controlled garage and giving additional time for the paint to dry.
Shur-Way Auto Body for Year-Round Body Shop Auto Repair
At Shur-Way Auto Body, we are equipped to overcome the challenges of performing body shop auto repair in winter. Come by our Maplewood MO shop today at 3540 Greenwood Blvd. We have served the St Louis MO area since 1971. Get a jump on problems caused by winter weather. Call us today at 314-645-5540.