There is nothing quite like Devon in the summer. Whether you are heading over to the north coast for the surf or taking a steady drive through the Exe Valley, our lanes are at their most beautiful. But as someone who has spent 40 years fixing cars across Mid Devon, I know that summer driving brings its own set of challenges for your vehicle’s bodywork.
Before you load up the boot and set off, taking a bit of time to check your car’s exterior can save you a lot of hassle and money down the line. From the intense UV rays on the dash to the grit on the coastal roads, your car takes a bit of a beating during the holiday season.
The Hidden Impact of Devon’s Summer Sun
We all love the sunshine, but your car’s paintwork isn't such a fan. Intense UV exposure can cause the lacquer to peel and the colour to fade, particularly on red and black cars. If you already have small stone chips or deep scratches, the heat can cause the metal to expand and contract, which often leads to the paint flaking away around the edges of the damage.
A professional paint correction session before the height of summer can provide a protective barrier. It’s not just about the shine; it’s about sealing the surface so the Devon sun doesn't do permanent damage. If you’ve noticed your paint looking a bit dull after the winter, a good machine polish can bring back that showroom glow for about £100–£300, depending on the size of the car.
Coastal Corrosion and Kerb Awareness
If your summer plans involve trips to places like Woolacombe or Sidmouth, you need to think about the salt air. Salt is incredibly corrosive. If you have scuffed your alloys on a high kerb in a busy seaside car park, that salt air will get straight into the metal and start the oxidation process, leading to that nasty bubbling effect under the finish.
I see a lot of this in Exeter and Honiton, where drivers have nipped a kerb and left it. Getting an alloy wheel restoration done now—typically costing between £60 and £180 per wheel—prevents that salt from ruining the entire rim. It’s much cheaper to fix a scuff now than to replace a corroded wheel next year.
Small Dents and the 'Holiday Car Park' Effect
Summer means busier car parks. Whether it's the supermarket in Tiverton or a tourist spot on the moors, the chances of someone swinging a door into your wing increase tenfold. These small dings might seem minor, but they ruin the lines of a nice car and can even crack the paint if they're sharp enough.
Most of these can be sorted with Paintless Dent Removal (PDR). It’s a craft I’ve spent decades perfecting. We don't need fillers or resprays for these; we gently massage the metal back into its original shape. It’s quick, efficient, and usually costs between £80 and £200, which is a fraction of what a traditional body shop would charge you to keep your car off the road for three days.
The DentDash Stress-Free Promise
I know you’ve got better things to do with your summer than sit in a garage waiting room. That’s why DentDash operates on a collection and return basis. Whether you’re at home in Cullompton or at work in Tiverton, I’ll come to you, pick up the car, perform the repairs at my fully equipped mobile-support workshop, and bring it back looking brand new. It’s the same professional quality you’d expect from a main dealer, but at 40-60% of the price.
If you want to get your car looking sharp for the summer adventures ahead, or if you've already picked up a pesky scratch or dent, just send me a couple of photos on WhatsApp at 07572 114436. I’ll take a look and give you a clear, honest quote with no hidden extras. Let’s get your car ready for the road.