After a car accident, you may be caught up in a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities. Fortunately, the team at Tracy’s Collision Center in Lincoln, NE, is committed to helping their clients through every stage of the process. But just like surgical procedures for people, collision repair treatments for cars require caution in the following days and weeks. Here’s what you should do and shouldn’t do upon bringing your vehicle home.

Do:

Wash your vehicle carefully.

Immediately after collision repair, avoid all drive-thru or professional car washes. For the next three months, you should only wash your car by hand, in the shade. Use cool water, a gentle solution (no dish soap or laundry detergent) specially made for cars, and a microfiber cloth or soft sponge. When you’re done, dry the vehicle thoroughly to avoid water marks.

Keep it in the garage.

When you’re not using your car, keep it in the garage. Right after it’s been painted, fluctuating temperatures can mar the finish, and falling leaves or rain may even cause indentations. If you can’t make space in your garage, protect your car with an upholstered cover.

Don’t:

Wax or polish the car.

Just like drive-thru car washes, it’s crucial to avoid waxes and polishes for three months after collision repair. These chemical solutions may benefit older cars, but a fresh coat of paint can easily be damaged by abrasive substances. After about three months, ask your collision repair specialist if the car would benefit from a coat of wax.

Park or drive in hazardous areas.

If you can, avoid parking under large trees and telephone lines. The leaves and branches from trees and the acidic bird droppings that fall from power lines will damage your car’s new coat. Also, stay away from dirt and gravel roads, as the abrasive particles will easily nick new paint.

If you have more questions about how to maintain your vehicle after collision repair, visit with the experts at Tracy’s Collision Center. They have been providing everything from simple bumper repair to complicated vehicle frame straightening for nearly 50 years. Call them today at (402) 441-4820 to talk about your vehicle, and visit the website for more information about their services.