Maintenance Tips for a Clean, Safe Ride During Car Care Month
Spring in Southern California is one of the best times of the year for driving. The sun comes out, the days get longer, and weekend road trips start calling. But after months of unpredictable weather, debris-filled roads, and occasional rainstorms, your car’s exterior might be showing signs of wear. At DG Collision Center here in Covina, we specialize in collision repair. However, we also know that spring car care is about more than just fixing dents. Preventative maintenance on the outside of your vehicle goes a long way in protecting its appearance, resale value, and even your safety.
So let’s talk spring auto body maintenance—what it is, why it matters, and how to stay ahead of common issues before they lead to bigger problems.
Why Spring Car Care is Crucial for Auto Body Maintenance
Winter—what little of it we get in Covina—still takes a toll. From tree sap and road grime to minor bumper dings in tight parking lots, the cold and wet months can leave their mark on your car. Spring gives us a great opportunity to assess the damage, clean things up, and protect your car’s finish going into summer.
April is also National Car Care Month, so it’s the perfect time to give your vehicle the attention it deserves.
Start with a Thorough Wash
The best first step is a detailed hand wash. Automated car washes are quick, but they often miss dirt in hard-to-reach areas—and worse, they can cause micro-scratches in the paint. We recommend washing your car by hand using automotive-specific soap and microfiber towels:
- Under the wheel wells
- Around the grille and lower bumper
- Door jambs and under the trunk lid
- Along the seams where dirt builds up
Even though we’re not dealing with road salt in most parts of Southern California, like colder states, there’s still plenty of grime that can corrode paint and finishes if left untreated.
Inspect for Minor Dings and Scratches
Spring is the time to walk around your car in good lighting and really look at the body. Dings, scuffs, and scratches can happen in parking lots or tight garages and often go unnoticed during the busy winter months. Why does this matter? Even small chips in paint can lead to rust over time—especially around the fenders or lower panels. Rust doesn’t stop once it starts, and repairing a small blemish is much easier (and cheaper) than dealing with structural damage down the road.
If you find anything questionable, take a photo or jot it down. We’re always happy to look and let you know whether it needs attention.
Get Your Headlights and Taillights Checked for Spring Car Care
Spring is a great time to clean and inspect your lights. Cloudy or yellowed headlight lenses don’t just look bad—they reduce visibility and can even put you at greater risk of a car accident, especially at night or in rainy conditions. We can polish and restore lenses so they’re clear and bright again or replace cracked housings if needed. Clean lights don’t just improve safety—they bring back that like-new look to your vehicle.
Don’t Forget Your Bumpers
Front and rear bumpers tend to take a beating over time. Whether it’s from low-speed bumps, shopping cart mishaps, or parallel parking misjudgments, these areas collect a lot of wear. Minor dents or paint damage might not seem like a big deal, but they can impact your car’s value and make it more vulnerable during future collisions. If your bumper isn’t sitting flush or you notice cracks or paint transfer, it might be time to have it looked at by a professional. And if your bumper has sensors or cameras (especially on newer cars), any misalignment can interfere with driver assistance systems.
Check for Loose or Misaligned Panels
Sometimes after a minor collision or even rough driving conditions, panels like doors, fenders, or side mirrors can shift slightly. These issues can affect wind resistance, create annoying rattles, or open the door (literally) to moisture seeping in. We often see drivers in Covina bring in cars that “just don’t feel right,” only to find a hidden alignment issue with the body panels. A quick inspection can save you from more expensive fixes later.
For Spring Car Care: Wax and Protect
After cleaning and inspecting your car, protect all that hard work with a quality wax or ceramic coating. This helps shield the paint from UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, and road grime—all of which become more common as we head into the warmer months. Think of it like sunscreen for your car. A well-maintained finish helps prevent fading and peeling, and it keeps your car looking newer longer. We often suggest waxing every three to four months or opting for a professional ceramic coating if you want more long-term protection.
Spring Car Care Glass and Mirror Touch-Ups
Don’t overlook your windows and mirrors. Spring is a great time to clean them inside and out and check for chips or cracks in the windshield. A small chip can turn into a large crack quickly, especially as temperatures fluctuate. Also, be sure side mirrors are free from damage or loose mounts. Visibility is a major factor in preventing a collision, and even slight blind spot issues can increase your chances of an accident.Be Alert for Subtle Signs of Damage During Spring Car Care
If your car pulls to one side, vibrates at certain speeds, or makes new noises while driving, those could be signs of hidden body or frame damage—especially if you’ve recently been involved in a minor fender bender. A car doesn’t need to look totaled to have been affected in a collision. Subtle damage can affect alignment, fuel efficiency, and tire wear. If something feels off while driving, it’s worth getting it checked out.Stay Ahead of Issues with Regular Visual Inspections
Spring auto body maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. Just being intentional about checking your car every couple of months helps you stay ahead of potential problems. We always recommend that drivers get in the habit of doing a walkaround once a month, just like you’d check tire pressure or fluid levels.
You don’t need to wait until there’s a visible problem to act.
Let’s Keep Covina Driving Clean and Safe this Spring and Always!
Our goal at DG Collision Center is to help keep the cars on Covina roads looking great and staying safe—whether you’ve had a recent collision or just want to get your vehicle back to its best. Spring is the perfect time to show your car a little love, and a small investment in appearance now can prevent bigger, more expensive problems later.
If you’re not sure whether that scratch, dent, or cloudy headlight is something to worry about, give us a call or stop by. We’re always happy to look and give you an honest assessment. Until then, keep enjoying the drive, and don’t forget—your car’s body needs care too.
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.