The alloy wheel repair experts at our accident repair centre understand that many people would like to prevent the possibility of stone chips on your vehicle. Therefore, our vehicle paint repair experts have revealed everything you need to know about how to prevent them and what handy vehicle additions can stop them…
Once such application is vehicle paint protection systems. The cost of applying these systems versus the benefits they provide means the application need not be so price driven. There is no requirement for additional technology, simply the skills of an experienced vehicle paint repair specialist and finding the right customer channels.
Vehicle Paint Repairs for the Damage
Stone chips and scratches have a significant effect on the appearance of a car. Not only do they age the paintwork but this unpleasant effect also significantly impacts on the value of any vehicle. Darker coloured vehicles in particular are the most prone with any imperfections being highly noticeable.
As well as the aesthetic impact on a vehicle, the alloy wheel repair experts at our accident repair centre know that stone chips and deep scratches that are left untreated can cause further problems. Any damage that penetrates the protective paint layer of a vehicle exposes the underlying body to moisture and air causing the metal to oxidise. If the rust is not treated then it will spread and soon a small stone chip can develop into a more costly repair.
Touch up paint is an option and cost effective but if the work is not carried out by a vehicle paint repair professional the end result can be disappointing with the touch up areas still being visible. Metallic paints, especially silver, are a popular finish and they are even harder to touch up. The metallic look is a result of aluminium flecks suspended in paint. Laying the paint down with a touch up brush doesn’t give the same effect as spray painting. The touch up areas can reflect the light differently making the colour look different and the repair work even more noticeable. In the end, to ensure a perfect result, repair work or respraying the area will need to be carried out by a vehicle paint repair professional. Not only will this be more costly for the owner but also inconvenient as the vehicle will need to remain in the panel shop for repair and while new paint cures.
Stone Chips: Methods for Prevention
Rather than dealing with stone chips after they occur, a cost-effective method is simply prevention.
An effective method of prevention that can be promoted by vehicle paint repair professionals is to have the vehicle protected with a self-adhesive stone chip protection film. Some vehicles already have these films applied during the manufacturing process but if not it is very simple to offer this protection to the car afterwards. Stone chip protection films are thick and soft, safeguarding the paintwork and absorbing the impact of flying stones and light debris. They can be used to protect any painted surfaces on a vehicle. Stone chip protection films also offer equal protection on new or old surfaces so can be applied any time.
These films are often ultra-clear, self- adhesive Polyurethanes. They are highly resistant to UV and non-yellowing so maintain a near invisible protection layer for a number of years. These films do not alter the appearance of the vehicle and do not influence the ageing or fading process of the underlying paint so on removal the protected paint work is not vastly different in colour to the areas of the vehicle not protected from stone chips by film. It does pay to check if this is a feature of the product you intend to buy. Once they are applied the film does not require any particular treatment or maintenance.
Stone chip protection films are conformable so bumper wraps and curved surfaces are no problem in the hands of a professional from an accident repair centre. The application can be done on site and the benefit to the customer is that there little down time compared to waiting for paint to dry. The inconvenience of the car being off the road is significantly reduced. For trucks, taxis, courier vehicles and other fleet owners who rely on their vehicle to generate revenue, this is a significant benefit. Another bonus of protection films is that it is harder for dirt, pollution and insects to stick to the film and so the vehicle is easier to clean..
Use Jenkins & Pain, Award-Winning Express Repairs Centre
There you have it, if you do find yourself needing stone chips repair, plasti dip, car bodywork repair or steering geometry repair and need a car repair or van repair you can count on us to complete all jobs using industry-standard processes at our express repairs centre. Our body shop repair centre offers free quotes and with our exclusive repair service, we are sure you will be happy with the results. Contact our Vehicle Body Shop today. Jenkins & Pain are a vehicle accident repair centre based in Dover, Kent. We are proud to call ourselves an award-winning accident repair centre. Check out our guide on how to look after your alloys!
Ready to Visit Our Vehicle Body Shop?
We understand how costly and inconvenient it is for a vehicle to be off the road and therefore we use processes that ensure your vehicle is repaired quickly and efficiently. So whether you need minor scratch repairs, major body repair, or alloy wheel refurbishment, our van body shop and car body shop can guarantee a high-quality service. We also repair light commercial vehicles and motorhomes. Contact us today for a paint repair at our Car Body Shop!
