There is nothing quite like a summer drive through Mid Devon. Whether you’re heading down to the coast or navigating the winding tracks around Bampton and Exmoor, our local scenery is hard to beat. However, after forty years in the trade, I’ve seen how a long winter and a messy spring can leave a car looking a bit sorry for itself just as the sun starts to shine.
Before you load up the boot for a staycation or a day at the beach, it pays to give your vehicle a proper once-over. Summer driving brings its own set of challenges—from loose chippings on sun-baked lanes to the inevitable tight squeezes in busy seaside car parks. Here is my professional guide to getting your car’s bodywork ‘summer ready’.
1. Clear Away the Winter Residue
The first step isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about protection. Throughout the colder months, your car has likely been pelted with road salt, grit, and thick Devon mud. If left in the nooks and crannies, this can trap moisture against the metal. Give the car a thorough wash, paying close attention to the wheel arches and the sills. Once it’s clean, you’ll be able to spot any small chips or scratches that need attention before the summer heat makes them more difficult to treat.
2. Inspect for 'Hedge Rash' and Scratches
Our Devon lanes are notoriously narrow, and by early summer, the hedgerows are in full bloom. It’s the time of year when ‘bramble rash’—those long, fine scratches down the side of the car—becomes a real problem. If you’ve picked up some marks from a tight squeeze near Silverton or Crediton, now is the time to sort them. Small surface marks can often be handled with a professional paint correction, which restores that deep gloss and removes the evidence of those narrow encounters. For deeper gouges that have broken the paint, a car scratch repair (usually costing between £80–£250) will prevent rust from taking hold during those humid summer months.
3. Check Your Alloys Before the Coastal Run
Nothing ruins the look of a clean car like kerbed, tatty wheels. If you’re planning on parking up at a nice hotel or a busy beach front, you want those rims looking sharp. More importantly, if you’ve clipped a kerb and taken a chunk out of the alloy, the protective lacquer is gone. Salt air from the Devon coast can quickly oxidise exposed aluminium, leading to unsightly bubbling. A professional alloy wheel restoration typically costs between £60–£180 per wheel and can be done right on your driveway while you pack your suitcases.
4. Address Those Car Park Dings
Summer means busier car parks in Tiverton and beyond. Unfortunately, that also means a higher risk of someone swinging a door into your wing. If you’ve already got a few supermarket dings, getting them out now prevents your car from looking neglected. Most small dents can be massaged back into place using Paintless Dent Removal (PDR), keeping your original factory paint intact and your car’s value high.
Why Fix It Now?
I always tell my customers that it’s cheaper to fix a small problem today than a big one in six months. High UV levels in the summer can actually bake contaminants into your paintwork, and heat causes metal to expand and contract, which can sometimes aggravate existing cracks in your bumper or paint. Getting your car looking its best doesn't just feel good; it protects your investment.
At DentDash, I make it easy for you. I know you’re busy getting ready for your holidays, which is why I offer a full collection and return service across Mid Devon. I’ll pick your car up from your home or workplace, carry out the repairs in my fully equipped workshop, and bring it back looking like new—usually for 40-60% less than a traditional body shop would charge.
Ready to get your car looking sharp for the summer? Send me a photo of the damage on WhatsApp at wa.me/447572114436 or give me a ring on 07572 114436. I’ll give you a fair, honest quote and get you booked in before the holiday rush!