As the New Year begins, many of us set goals for self-improvement, whether it’s exercising more, eating healthier, or tackling long-postponed projects. But what about your car? If your vehicle has been through a collision recently—or even in the past—it’s time to make its care part of your 2025 resolutions. Starting the year with a well-maintained vehicle isn’t just about looks; it’s about safety, reliability, and preserving its value.

Here are some practical tips for keeping your car in top shape after a collision.

1. Schedule Any Pending Collision Repairs

If your car is still sporting damage from a fender-bender or other mishap, don’t wait any longer. Dents, scratches, or misaligned parts can lead to bigger issues if left unattended.

  • Why It Matters: Exposed metal can rust, misaligned panels can affect aerodynamics, and underlying damage may worsen over time.
  • What to Do: Bring your vehicle to a trusted repair shop, like Davis Paint & Collision Auto Center, for a comprehensive assessment and repair.

2. Restore Your Car’s Paintwork

Winter weather and road salt can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s exterior, especially if it already has chipped paint or scratches from a collision.

  • Why It Matters: Paint damage can lead to rust, reducing your car’s lifespan and resale value.
  • What to Do: Consider touch-up paint, a full repaint, or a protective ceramic coating to restore and shield your car’s finish.

3. Inspect Your Alignment and Suspension

Collisions, even minor ones, can throw off your car’s alignment or damage the suspension. You might notice your car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or a bumpier ride.

  • Why It Matters: Poor alignment affects handling and safety, and it can lead to faster tire wear.
  • What to Do: Have a professional check your alignment and suspension to ensure everything is functioning properly.

4. Replace or Repair Damaged Lights

Cracked or misaligned headlights and taillights are common after collisions. Even if they still work, they may not provide optimal visibility or signal to other drivers effectively.

  • Why It Matters: Reduced visibility increases the risk of future accidents, especially during winter when days are shorter.
  • What to Do: Replace damaged lights or have them realigned for maximum safety.

5. Pay Attention to Safety Features

Modern cars are equipped with advanced safety systems like airbags, lane-assist, and collision sensors. These systems can be affected in an accident, even if the damage isn’t visible.

  • Why It Matters: Faulty safety features can fail to protect you in another collision.
  • What to Do: Have your car’s safety systems inspected and recalibrated if necessary.

6. Don’t Forget Your Tires

Collisions can impact your tires or wheels, leading to uneven wear or reduced traction—especially dangerous during Oklahoma’s unpredictable winter weather.

  • Why It Matters: Good tires are essential for safe driving on icy or wet roads.
  • What to Do: Inspect your tires for damage, check tread depth, and ensure they’re inflated to the correct pressure.

7. Treat Your Car to Professional Detailing

If your car looks a little worse for wear after a collision, professional detailing can help it feel like new again.

  • Why It Matters: A clean and polished car boosts your pride of ownership and keeps grime and salt from causing long-term damage.
  • What to Do: Invest in interior and exterior detailing, including an undercarriage wash to remove road salt.

8. Plan Preventative Maintenance

Start the year off right by catching up on regular maintenance tasks like oil changes, brake checks, and fluid top-offs.

  • Why It Matters: Preventative maintenance ensures your car stays reliable and minimizes the risk of future breakdowns.
  • What to Do: Schedule a maintenance check-up with your mechanic or auto body shop.

9. Stay On Top of Insurance and Documentation

After a collision, it’s essential to ensure all your paperwork is in order for insurance claims or future needs.

  • Why It Matters: Proper documentation ensures you’re covered for future repairs and helps maintain your car’s resale value.
  • What to Do: File all repair records, take photos of the completed work, and verify with your insurance company that everything is settled.

Start Fresh with Davis Paint & Collision Auto Center

At Davis Paint & Collision Auto Center, we’re here to help you start 2025 with a car that looks great, drives safely, and performs reliably. From collision repairs to paint restoration and alignment checks, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to make your car one of your New Year’s priorities?
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us help you kick off the year with confidence on the road!