Car Body Repair: Causes of Auto Body Damage You Need to Know 

Your car faces risks no matter where it is – on the road, in a parking lot, or even parked at home. Potential hazards are everywhere, and being aware of them is essential to protecting your vehicle. Your car is a valuable asset you want to take care of and keep in good condition. However, even with the best care, auto-body damage is often unavoidable.

Scratches, dings, collision impacts, and weather-related wear are just a few examples of damage your car might face over time. These issues, whether minor or severe, can compromise your vehicle’s appearance and safety. That’s why taking care of them as soon as possible with the help of a professional is essential. So, what causes these common problems? Let’s look at some of the main culprits behind body damage and how to protect your vehicle.

Bad Weather

Mother Nature can be tough on your car, regardless of season. In winter, freezing temperatures, icy roads, and salt can lead to rust and paint damage, while summer brings on the scorching sun that fades paint and cracks tyres, along with hail storms that can leave dents. Spring brings tree sap, pollen, and bird droppings, eating away at your car’s finish, while the fall winds and debris can chip paint or crack windshields.

To protect your vehicle, try to park it in a garage or under cover whenever possible, especially during extreme weather. If you do sustain some damage, take care of it right away.

Negligence

While many cases of auto body damage stem from accidents or driver negligence, a surprising amount of minor damage is caused by simple carelessness, both on and off the road. Runaway shopping trolleys in parking lots, drivers swinging their doors open without checking around them, or failing to check surroundings while reversing are all ways that negligence comes into play and non-fault damages can occur. Kids playing ball near the street can result in unexpected dents or scratches. 

Luckily, some of these issues are avoidable with a little extra attention on your part. Parking farther away from other vehicles, choosing to park in covered spots, or avoiding high-risk areas like construction zones or playfields can go a long way to protect your car. By staying aware and taking these preventative measures, you can save yourself the headache of dealing with unnecessary damage.

Road Debris

Driving on gravel roads, pothole-riddled streets, or construction zones can expose your car to hard debris like rocks and pebbles that can cause significant damage. These hazards can scratch or dent your paint job or even chip or crack your windshield if they hit with enough force.

To minimise the risk, try to avoid these kinds of roads. If you cannot avoid these roads, driving slower can help reduce the chance of debris kicking up and damaging your vehicle.

Collisions and Fender Benders

Whether major or minor, collisions can lead to varying degrees of auto body damage. High-speed crashes often result in severe issues like shattered windshields, broken frames, or even engine failure, leaving the vehicle completely inoperable. In many cases, damage like this is so extensive that insurance companies might declare the car totalled, offering compensation for its remaining value instead of repairs. To reduce the risk of these accidents, stay focused on the road and always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles around you.

On the other hand, fender benders typically cause less noticeable damage, like scratches, dents, or scrapes. While these can seem harmless, they can sometimes have hidden damage, which could affect your car’s safety and performance. That’s why having your vehicle inspected by a professional is essential, even after a minor accident. Although fender benders are often unavoidable, staying alert while driving can help you minimise the chances of being the one at fault.

Car Repair Shop In Caversham and Abingdon

If your car has been in a major collision, a minor fender bender, or just picked up a few scratches and dents over time, taking care of damage sooner than later is to keep your vehicle safe, looking great, and holding its value.

At Caversham Coachworks, we are here to make the repair process as smooth as possible for you. From paintless dent repairs to more extensive fixes, we use top-quality materials and the latest techniques to get your car back in shape and out on the road. Our team uses cutting-edge tools and state-of-the-art technology so whether you’ve got a traditional car, a hybrid, or EV, we’ve got you covered. We have convenient locations in Caversham and Abingdon and are committed to making your vehicle care experience streamlined and stress-free.

No matter what caused the damage to your vehicle, contact us today to schedule an appointment or use our free and easy estimator tool.