Why Summer is the Perfect Time for Auto Body Repair
Summer is often associated with road trips, vacations, and long sunny days. But it also happens to be the ideal time to schedule auto body repair. While many drivers delay fixing minor dents, scratches, or collision damage, summer provides a perfect window of opportunity to address those issues with speed and efficiency. At DG Collision Center in Covina, we see a spike in repairs during summer, and for good reason. Summer auto body maintenance is advisable. The warmer weather not only makes it easier to schedule repairs but also improves the repair process itself—especially when it comes to paint curing and refinishing. Here’s why summer is the smart season for tackling your vehicle’s auto body needs.
Faster Paint Drying and Curing Times for Summer Auto Body Maintenance
One of the main reasons summer is perfect for auto body repair comes down to science. Automotive paint and clear coat require heat to cure properly. In colder months, technicians often need to use heated paint booths or infrared lamps to help paint cure evenly and quickly. But during summer, the ambient temperature does much of the work.
Warm, dry air speeds up the evaporation of solvents and allows the paint to bond more effectively to the surface. This results in:
- Shorter wait times between coats
- Better paint adhesion and longevity
- Reduced risk of paint flaws like runs or hazing
- Quicker turnaround from start to finish
For customers, that means less time without your vehicle and a final finish that’s built to last. If you’ve been putting off paint repair, summer conditions give your vehicle the best chance at a fast and flawless result.
Summer Auto Body Maintenance Offers Easier Scheduling and Less Downtime
Summer is also a great time to schedule repairs because many people shift into vacation mode. If you plan to be out of town for a few days, why not leave your car with us while you’re away? You’ll avoid any disruption to your daily routine and come home to a freshly restored vehicle.
We often work with customers who drop their cars off before leaving on trips, and by the time they return, the job is done. Summer’s longer daylight hours also give our technicians more working time each day, helping us complete more repairs without sacrificing quality.
Protecting Your Vehicle from Sun Damage with Summer Auto Body Maintenance
While summer weather helps us in the shop, it can be brutal on your vehicle’s exterior. Prolonged sun exposure causes paint to oxidize, fade, and lose its gloss. Clear coat deterioration can make scratches and dings look even worse. When the finish starts to break down, your car not only looks older—it’s more vulnerable to corrosion and environmental damage.
If your vehicle already has scratches or chipped paint, those areas are at greater risk. UV rays penetrate exposed metal or compromised paint, which can eventually lead to rust. Getting that damage repaired early helps protect your investment and keeps your car looking newer, longer.
Common Summer Auto Body Damage
Summer is also a season of increased auto body damage—often from sources people don’t expect. Here are some of the most common issues we see:
- Door Dings in Crowded Parking Lots
Shopping centers and public parks are busier during summer, and that often leads to more door dings and minor impacts. These small dents are best addressed quickly to avoid paint cracking or spreading. - Fender Benders from Vacation Travel
With more people on the road, especially in unfamiliar areas, minor accidents become more common. Even low-speed impacts can misalign bumpers or damage internal components behind the body panel. - Heat-Related Cracking and Warping
Extreme heat can cause some trim pieces, seals, and bumpers to warp or crack—especially on older vehicles. If you’re seeing deformed panels or gaps between parts, summer heat could be the cause. - Tree Sap and Bird Droppings
These seasonal nuisances can damage your vehicle’s paint if not removed quickly. The acids in bird droppings and the sticky chemicals in sap can eat through clear coat and leave permanent stains. - Road Debris
Construction zones are more active in summer. Flying gravel, asphalt chunks, and loose road materials frequently lead to chipped paint, cracked panels, or damaged grilles.
Summer Auto Body Maintenance Offers A Better Season for Insurance Claims
If your repairs are related to a recent accident, summer might be the best time to file that insurance claim. Many insurance companies process claims more quickly in the summer since winter storms and icy road collisions cause a flood of claims during colder months. With fewer claims in the queue, response times tend to be faster—meaning we can start and finish your repairs sooner.
At DG Collision Center, we work directly with all insurance companies. We can even file the claim for you and begin repairs without needing you to be physically present. That level of convenience makes summer a smart time to get back on the road faster.
Cosmetic Fixes: Get Your Car Summer-Ready
Even if your vehicle hasn’t been in an accident, summer is the perfect season to take care of small imperfections you’ve been ignoring. Consider scheduling:
- Scratch and chip touch-ups
- Buffing out minor swirl marks or oxidation
- Paintless dent repair
- Panel realignment
- Repainting bumpers or mirrors faded by the sun
These small upgrades can dramatically improve the appearance of your car—and now’s the time to do them before the busy back-to-school season or the harsh conditions of fall and winter set in.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
The best time to schedule bodywork is before you’re in a rush. Summer gives you the flexibility to book appointments that work for your schedule and maximize good weather conditions. Plus, if your car is leased or you’re considering selling it soon, having body repairs done now helps boost resale value and reduces end-of-lease penalties.
Our Covina shop is open year-round, but we always encourage drivers to take advantage of summer’s unique benefits. Between the faster paint curing, reduced turnaround times, and a chance to prevent future damage, it’s the best season for a fresh start.
About DG Collision Center, an Auto Body Shop in Covina, California
We would love to help restore your vehicle following a car accident or comprehensive damage. DG Collision Center in Covina, California is your one-stop-shop in Covina for auto body repair after car accidents. Our highly trained team includes specialized technicians. We work directly with all insurance companies. This enables our customers to file a claim without even needing to be present. We pride ourselves in providing excellent service at DG Collision Center in Covina, California.