As winter fades away and the weather warms up, car owners everywhere are getting ready for their annual spring cleaning. Road salt, snow, and ice take a toll on your vehicle’s exterior, leaving behind dirt, grime, and even unnoticed damage. While most people focus on washing and waxing, one key step often gets overlooked—paintless dent repair.

A complete spring detailing isn’t just about making your car look good; it’s about maintaining its value and protecting its exterior. Here’s your spring car detailing checklist to ensure your vehicle looks flawless heading into the new season.

1. Start with a Deep Exterior Wash

Spring is the perfect time to remove the buildup of road salt, dirt, and other winter debris that can damage your car’s paint over time. A thorough wash helps you spot minor imperfections that may have gone unnoticed during the colder months.

• Use a high-quality, pH-balanced car shampoo to protect your clear coat.
• Pay extra attention to the undercarriage, where road salt can lead to rust.
• Use microfiber mitts and drying towels to avoid scratching your paint.

Once your car is clean, you can assess any damage left behind by winter driving conditions—including small dents and dings.

2. Inspect for Dents, Dings, and Paint Chips

Snow, ice, and hailstorms can leave subtle dents that aren’t immediately visible under winter grime. Parking lot door dings and minor impacts from road debris also become more apparent once your car is freshly washed.

Why should you fix dents now?

• Prevention of further damage – Small dents can weaken the metal, making it more susceptible to rust and corrosion.
• Boost resale value – If you plan to sell or trade your car, a dent-free exterior makes a strong first impression.
• Easier repairs in warmer weather – Spring temperatures are ideal for paintless dent repair (PDR) since metal expands in the heat, making it easier to manipulate back to its original shape.

At CD DENTS, we specialize in paintless dent repair to remove dents quickly and effectively—without repainting or using fillers. Now is the best time to schedule a dent inspection before the summer driving season begins.

3. Protect Your Paint with Wax or Ceramic Coating

Once your dents are repaired, it’s time to protect your vehicle’s paint from future damage. A high-quality wax or ceramic coating acts as a barrier against UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, and other environmental contaminants.

• Carnauba Wax: Provides a deep, glossy shine and lasts a few months.
• Synthetic Sealant: Offers longer-lasting protection (up to 6 months) with strong water resistance.
• Ceramic Coating: A durable, high-end option that can last years, repelling dirt and reducing scratches.

For vehicles with paint chips, paint touch-up services can restore a seamless finish before applying protection. At CD DENTS, we offer Dr. ColorChip paint touch-up solutions that blend perfectly with OEM factory paint.

4. Don’t Forget Interior Detailing

Spring cleaning isn’t just about the exterior—your car’s interior also needs attention after months of winter wear.

• Vacuum and shampoo carpets to remove salt stains and dirt.
• Clean and condition leather seats to prevent cracking.
• Wipe down dashboards and vents to remove dust buildup.
• Replace cabin air filters for fresher air circulation.

A clean and well-maintained interior not only improves your driving experience but also helps preserve your vehicle’s value over time.

5. Check for Protective Upgrades

If you want to take your spring detailing to the next level, consider adding door edge protection film. This invisible shield prevents chipping and damage caused by door-to-door contact in parking lots.

Pairing PDR, paint touch-up, and door edge protection ensures that your car stays in pristine condition longer, preventing costly repairs down the road.

Get Your Car Spring-Ready with CD DENTS

Spring is all about fresh starts, and your car deserves the same attention as your home. Whether you need paintless dent repair, paint touch-up, or door edge protection, our team at CD DENTS is here to help.

Don’t let winter damage linger—schedule your PDR appointment today and keep your car looking its best all season long.