Preserving Pristine Paintwork After Bodywork Repairs in Horley | R&P Accident Repair Centre Ltd

As a trusted car bodyshop and accident repair centre, we understand that after investing time and money into repairing your vehicle's body, whether via minor SMART repairs and dent repairs, or full-scale crash repairs / accident repairs, you want to keep it looking as good as new for as long as possible. One of the most critical aspects of maintaining your car's appearance is preserving the paintwork; restoring damaged paintwork is one of the most common aspects of bodywork repairs we undertake for clients in Horley, one of our core areas of coverage.

With that in mind, we’ve looked to use this page to share some valuable tips on how clients can preserve their paintwork following the completion of car body repairs. But if you’re more interested in booking in for any of the services offered at our car bodyshop and accident repair centre in Lingfield, or want to ask a question about services such as dent repairs and SMART repairs, cut to the chase and give us a call.

Paint Maintenance Tips

Regular Cleaning and Washing - One of the simplest yet most effective ways to preserve your newly repaired car's paint is to keep it clean. Regularly wash your vehicle using a pH-balanced car shampoo and a soft microfiber mitt. We recommend our Horley customers avoid using abrasive sponges or brushes, as they can scratch the paint; as much as we appreciate the business, we’d rather you not have to shell out twice for car body repairs. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, which can dull the finish over time.

Apply a Quality Wax or Sealant - After washing your vehicle, protect your paint with a high-quality car wax or sealant. These products create a barrier between your car's paint and environmental elements like UV rays, dirt, and pollution. Advice on frequency can vary from car body shop to car body shop. At R&P Accident Repair Centre, we’d recommend every three to six months. This should significantly extend the life of your paint and keep it looking glossy, especially right after it’s been touched up or reapplied during accident repairs (such as crash repairs), or general bodywork repairs at our workshop near Horley.

Park in Shade or Use a Car Cover - Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause paint to fade and deteriorate. Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a shaded area. This extra step can go a long way in preserving your paint's vibrancy. If you’re struggling to find a consistent, shady parking space, consider purchasing a car cover.

Repair Stone Chips and Scratches - Minor damage can be tempting to ignore, and many Horley motorists will do exactly that. But it’s not just accident repairs / crash repairs that call for a trip to your local car boydshop. In fact, it’s well worth rectifying minor damage via SMART repairs or paintless dent repairs, such as small scratches left by stone chips. Why? Because when left unattended they can lead to rust and further paint damage e.g more expensive car body repairs that may have been easily avoided. Consult your car body shop - like R&P Accident Repair Centre - if you’ve spotted this kind of damage.