Johnson City, TN – With winter weather approaching Johnson City and nearby areas, Automan Collision & Repair LLC is sharing a winter auto body checklist to help local drivers protect their vehicles from seasonal damage. The auto body repair shop in Johnson City, TN, also provides free inspections and winter services to help prevent costly damage from road salt, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Auto Body Repair: Winter Driving Poses Significant Risks
NHTSA reports that roughly 22,293 injury crashes in recent years happened while drivers were driving through snow or sleet conditions. These accidents often result from reduced visibility, icy roads, and vehicles unprepared for harsh weather. Beyond collision risks, winter weather causes extensive damage to vehicle exteriors through road salt corrosion and freeze-thaw cycles.
Many drivers focus on mechanical winterization but overlook their vehicle's body and paint. Road salt and moisture cause serious damage that starts small but spreads quickly without proper protection. The team at Automan Collision & Repair emphasizes that preventive measures save drivers from expensive repairs later.
Auto Body Winter Preparation Checklist
The body shop near you recommends these steps before winter arrives:
Inspect and Repair Paint Damage: Small paint chips expose bare metal to moisture and salt. Even minor chips lead to damage that spreads beneath surrounding paint. The auto body shop in Johnson City, TN, can repair chips quickly before winter accelerates paint erosion.
Apply Protective Coating: Wax or ceramic coating creates a barrier between paint and corrosive road salt. This protection makes washing more effective and prevents salt from bonding to paint surfaces.
Check Undercarriage Condition: The undercarriage faces the most severe winter damage. Salt attacks brake lines, fuel lines, and frame components. Pre-winter undercarriage inspection identifies vulnerable areas needing protective treatment.
Replace Damaged Wiper Blades and Lights: Clear visibility becomes critical during winter storms. Functioning lights help other drivers see your vehicle in reduced visibility conditions.
Wash Regularly During Winter: Frequent washing removes salt before corrosion starts. Local auto body shops recommend washing every one to two weeks during winter, focusing on the undercarriage where salt accumulates.
Road Salt Causes Extensive Damage
Research shows cars become especially susceptible to corrosion after eight years of road salt exposure, according to NHTSA data. Salt creates chemical reactions that accelerate rust formation on metal surfaces. This damage affects vehicle safety, resale value, and appearance.
Automan Collision sees vehicles every winter with preventable salt damage. A small investment in protection and regular washing saves thousands in body repair costs later. The shop recommends drivers address existing paint damage and apply protective coatings before winter weather arrives.
Professional Winter Services Available
Automan Collision & Repair offers complete winter preparation services at their Johnson City location. Services include paint chip repair, protective coating application, undercarriage inspection, and damage assessment. The shop's I-CAR Gold-Class certified technicians have over 30 years of experience protecting vehicles from Tennessee winters.
The auto body repair shop in Johnson City, TN, works with all insurance companies and provides free estimates. As an independent, family-owned business, Automan Collision prioritizes quality repairs over insurance company quotas.
Winter Emergency Kit Recommendations
The shop also recommends drivers prepare emergency kits containing the following:
Blankets
Flashlight
First aid supplies
Jumper cables
Ice scraper
Phone charger
Water
Food
Traction aids such as sand or kitty litter
These supplies provide safety if drivers become stranded during winter storms.
Winter preparation extends beyond vehicle maintenance to include emergency readiness. Proper supplies can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation during severe weather.
For more details on auto body repair or to schedule service in Johnson City, TN, call (423) 467-9874 or email [email protected] today.
About Automan Collision & Repair, LLC
Automan Collision & Repair, LLC in Johnson City, TN, provides auto body and collision repair services to Johnson City and nearby areas. Founded over 30 years ago, the family-owned shop holds I-CAR Gold-Class certification and has earned Reader's Choice Award recognition. Services include collision repair, auto body repair, paint services, windshield replacement, and detailing. The shop works with all insurance providers and offers free estimates. Automan Collision operates from 114 Industrial Road, Johnson City, TN 37615.
