If you live in Rochester, New York, you know how dramatic the seasonal changes can be. Experiencing the four seasons from cool spring, hot summer, crisp autumn to freezing snowy winters, this city’s seasonal weather conditions can have an impact on your car. As a car owner, it is important to consider how the changes in the season can affect your car’s performance, maintenance as well as the exterior, which can lead to dents and dings. Here are some tips on how to protect your car throughout the year.
Winter Woes: The Impact of Cold and Snow
Salty Roads: Winters in New York are marked by heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. To keep the roads safe, salt and chemicals are liberally spread on the roads so that cars don’t slide. As a result, this can lead to corrosion and rust on your car. When you have a mixture of slushy and salty snow, it can accumulate on your car creating an abrasive mixture, potentially leaving small scratches or even dents.
Ice and Snow Accumulation: Averaging 100 inches of snow each winter in Rochester, this much snow can add weight and pressure to your vehicle parked outside. If not cleared promptly and gently, this added weight can lead to minor dents and deformations in the body, especially on the roof and hood of your car.
Potholes and Road Debris: The freezing and thawing cycles of winter can wreak havoc on roads, creating potholes and road debris. Hitting a pothole or debris can cause substantial damage to your vehicle’s undercarriage or fenders, resulting in dents and dings.
Summer Scenarios: Hail and Parking Lot Incidents
Hailstorms: Summers in Rochester can be warm and muggy, bringing unexpected storms and hail with it. Hail, as small as a dime or big as a baseball, can cause considerable dent damage to the roof and hood of your car, especially if parked outside.
Parking Lot Accidents: Warmer months also brings increased outdoor activities and parking lot incidents. Door dings and minor accidents are more likely to occur in crowded parking lots, when people are out and about, causing dents and scratches on your car.
Protecting Your Vehicle Year-Round
Regular Maintenance: To protect your vehicle from the corrosive effects of salt and chemicals, you should wash and wax it regularly, especially the undercarriage. This helps prevent salt and chemicals from causing long-term damage.
Prompt Snow Removal: In winter, make a habit of regularly clearing snow and ice from your vehicle to prevent excessive weight buildup. Use gentle tools like a snow brush to avoid damaging the body.
Safe Driving: In both seasons, drive cautiously and be mindful of road conditions. Avoid potholes and debris and park your car away from potential sources of dings and dents in parking lots.
Hail Protection: During hailstorms, if possible, seek shelter or use car covers to protect your vehicle. This can significantly reduce the risk of hail damage.
Get a Quote from The Dent Guy Today
If your vehicle does suffer dents or dings, consult a professional PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) expert. PDR is a non-invasive, cost-effective method for restoring your vehicle’s exterior to its original condition by manually massaging the dents out with specialized tools.
In Rochester, the seasonal dent challenges are real, but with proactive measures and prompt repairs, you can keep your car looking its best year-round.
At The Dent Guy, they take pride in their ability to make dents and dings disappear. You can trust them to get the job done. Call them today for a free estimate https://thedentguy.com/.