Spring Car Detailing Checklist: Don't Forget Your Dents!

The Ultimate Guide to Refreshing Your Car This Spring—From Deep Cleaning to Dent Repair

As winter fades away and the weather warms up, car owners everywhere are getting ready for their annual spring cleaning. Road salt, snow, and ice take a toll on your vehicle’s exterior, leaving behind dirt, grime, and even unnoticed damage. While most people focus on washing and waxing, one key step often gets overlooked—paintless dent repair.

A complete spring detailing isn’t just about making your car look good; it’s about maintaining its value and protecting its exterior. Here’s your spring car detailing checklist to ensure your vehicle looks flawless heading into the new season.

1. Start with a Deep Exterior Wash

Spring is the perfect time to remove the buildup of road salt, dirt, and other winter debris that can damage your car’s paint over time. A thorough wash helps you spot minor imperfections that may have gone unnoticed during the colder months.

  • Use a high-quality, pH-balanced car shampoo to protect your clear coat.
  • Pay extra attention to the undercarriage, where road salt can lead to rust.
  • Use microfiber mitts and drying towels to avoid scratching your paint.

Once your car is clean, you can assess any damage left behind by winter driving conditions—including small dents and dings.

2. Inspect for Dents, Dings, and Paint Chips

Snow, ice, and hailstorms can leave subtle dents that aren’t immediately visible under winter grime. Parking lot door dings and minor impacts from road debris also become more apparent once your car is freshly washed.

Why should you fix dents now?

  • Prevention of further damage – Small dents can weaken the metal, making it more susceptible to rust and corrosion.
  • Boost resale value – If you plan to sell or trade your car, a dent-free exterior makes a strong first impression.
  • Easier repairs in warmer weather – Spring temperatures are ideal for paintless dent repair (PDR) since metal expands in the heat, making it easier to manipulate back to its original shape.

At CD DENTS, we specialize in paintless dent repair to remove dents quickly and effectively—without repainting or using fillers. Now is the best time to schedule a dent inspection before the summer driving season begins.

3. Protect Your Paint with Wax or Ceramic Coating

Once your dents are repaired, it’s time to protect your vehicle’s paint from future damage. A high-quality wax or ceramic coating acts as a barrier against UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, and other environmental contaminants.

  • Carnauba Wax: Provides a deep, glossy shine and lasts a few months.
  • Synthetic Sealant: Offers longer-lasting protection (up to 6 months) with strong water resistance.
  • Ceramic Coating: A durable, high-end option that can last years, repelling dirt and reducing scratches.

For vehicles with paint chips, paint touch-up services can restore a seamless finish before applying protection. At CD DENTS, we offer Dr. ColorChip paint touch-up solutions that blend perfectly with OEM factory paint.

4. Don’t Forget Interior Detailing

Spring cleaning isn’t just about the exterior—your car’s interior also needs attention after months of winter wear.

  • Vacuum and shampoo carpets to remove salt stains and dirt.
  • Clean and condition leather seats to prevent cracking.
  • Wipe down dashboards and vents to remove dust buildup.
  • Replace cabin air filters for fresher air circulation.

A clean and well-maintained interior not only improves your driving experience but also helps preserve your vehicle’s value over time.

5. Check for Protective Upgrades

If you want to take your spring detailing to the next level, consider adding door edge protection film. This invisible shield prevents chipping and damage caused by door-to-door contact in parking lots.

Pairing PDR, paint touch-up, and door edge protection ensures that your car stays in pristine condition longer, preventing costly repairs down the road.

Get Your Car Spring-Ready with CD DENTS

Spring is all about fresh starts, and your car deserves the same attention as your home. Whether you need paintless dent repair, paint touch-up, or door edge protection, our team at CD DENTS is here to help.

Don’t let winter damage linger—schedule your PDR appointment today and keep your car looking its best all season long.

By CD Dents August 26, 2025
Why Paint Chips Are More Than Just Cosmetic Every car owner has experienced it—those small, annoying paint chips caused by rocks, road salt, or everyday driving. While they may seem like just a minor cosmetic flaw, paint chips do much more than affect your vehicle’s appearance. Left untreated, chips expose the metal underneath your paint to moisture, salt, and debris, which can quickly lead to rust, corrosion, and long-term damage. At CD Dents in Midland, Michigan , we believe in tackling these small problems before they become costly repairs. That’s why we now offer professional paint chip touch-up services using the trusted Dr. ColorChip® system. What Is Dr. ColorChip®? Dr. ColorChip® is an advanced automotive paint system designed to blend seamlessly with your vehicle’s factory color . Unlike traditional dab-and-smear touch-up kits, this system uses a base coat/clear coat mix that bonds directly to the chip, filling it in and sealing it from moisture. At CD Dents, we stock 100 of the most popular OEM colors and can also custom order paint matched to your exact vehicle paint code . That means whether you drive a bright red Mustang or a metallic silver truck, we can achieve a finish that looks natural—not blotchy. Why Choose Professional Paint Chip Repair? DIY kits may seem like an easy fix, but the results are often uneven and don’t provide full protection. Here’s why our professional process with Dr. ColorChip® stands out: Color-Matched Precision – Your paint chip is filled and blended using OEM-matched colors. Rust Prevention – Chips are sealed tight to stop moisture and salt from penetrating. Improved Appearance – No more white or dark spots showing through your paint. Cost Savings – Fixing chips now avoids expensive repainting or rust repair later. Our Paint Chip Repair Packages We understand every vehicle has a different level of damage. That’s why we offer flexible packages starting as low as $99: Level 1: Spot Touch-Up – For just a few chips in common areas like hoods and doors. Level 2: Enhanced Protection – Covers multiple areas with higher chip counts. Level 3: Full Revive – Ideal for heavily chipped front ends, restoring a smooth finish across your vehicle. Combine with Our “Dents & Chips” Package Want even more savings? Ask about our Dents & Chips package , which bundles paintless dent repair and paint touch-up services. It’s the perfect way to restore your car’s body from multiple angles—smooth dents, seal chips, and leave your vehicle looking refreshed. Protect Your Investment Today Your car is one of your biggest investments—don’t let small paint chips turn into big problems. At CD Dents in Midland, MI, our Dr. ColorChip® paint touch-up service is fast, affordable, and designed to keep your vehicle looking great while protecting it from rust and long-term damage. 📞 Call us today at 989-488-7960 or request a free estimate online to schedule your appointment.
August 4, 2025
Owning a Mercedes-Benz C-Class means you appreciate luxury, precision, and performance. But even the finest vehicles aren’t immune to the unpredictable force of nature—especially hailstorms. At CD Dents, we recently restored a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 that suffered moderate hail damage during a severe storm in the Midland, Michigan area. The results were flawless—and we didn’t touch a drop of paint. The Challenge: Hail Damage Without Compromise This client’s C-Class had visible dents on the hood, roof, and trunk lid. The damage was typical of a fast-moving storm: dozens of small to medium-sized dents—but fortunately, no paint was cracked or chipped. That made the vehicle a perfect candidate for Paintless Dent Repair (PDR). Our client’s top concern? Maintaining the factory finish and ensuring no signs of repair would ever show. We completely understood. A high-end vehicle like a Mercedes demands expert care, and our technicians delivered just that. Why PDR Is the Best Option for Mercedes Hail Repair Mercedes-Benz panels are made with high-strength materials, and on modern models like the C-Class, some components may even be aluminum. That means PDR requires a skilled hand, advanced tools, and a deep understanding of body panel tension. Our team has repaired hundreds of high-end vehicles, and we brought that same level of precision to this job. Using specialized lights and access tools, we massaged every dent out from behind the panel—without fillers, sanding, or repainting. The result? Factory-perfect panels with no evidence of damage. The original paint stayed 100% intact. Stress-Free Insurance Help Our team also walked the client through their comprehensive insurance claim. We coordinated directly with the insurance adjuster, ensured all necessary supplements were included, and helped maximize coverage. In the end, our client paid nothing out of pocket, and the vehicle was returned in just a few days. Trust CD Dents With Your Mercedes-Benz If your Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been hit by hail, don’t settle for conventional body shop repairs that involve repainting. Let our PDR specialists restore your vehicle the right way—quickly, cleanly, and without compromising your car’s value or finish. We proudly serve the Midland, Saginaw, and Sanford, MI areas and offer free hail inspections, help with insurance claims, and a lifetime warranty on all work. Contact CD Dents today to schedule your hail damage evaluation and experience elite-level repair for your luxury vehicle.
August 4, 2025
The Toyota Camry is one of the most reliable sedans on the road—valued for its comfort, fuel efficiency, and longevity. But even a dependable daily driver isn’t immune to parking lot dings, stray shopping carts, or hail damage. At CD Dents, we recently repaired a 2020 Toyota Camry SE that came in with several door dings and a deep crease on the rear quarter panel—without using a single drop of paint. Factory Finish Matters Like most late-model Toyotas, the Camry’s panels are engineered with high-tensile steel designed to absorb minor impacts without compromising safety. This makes it a perfect candidate for Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)—as long as the paint hasn’t cracked or chipped. Our client was concerned about two things: Keeping their factory paint intact Avoiding the high cost and long wait times of a body shop We assured them that PDR was not only the best solution—it would be faster, more affordable, and retain the vehicle’s original value. How the Repair Worked Using specialized access tools and precision lighting, our technician gently massaged the dented areas from behind the panel. For the door dings, we accessed the inside of the panel through the window channel and methodically worked the dents out without disturbing the clear coat. The deeper crease on the rear quarter panel required more advanced techniques, including glue pulling and metal memory reshaping. Within just a few hours, the entire vehicle was back to pre-damage condition—with no paintwork, no filler, and no sanding. The best part? The repair was done same-day, and the customer walked out smiling, with no evidence of damage remaining. Why Choose PDR for Your Camry? No repainting means no risk of mismatched color or overspray Faster turnaround—many jobs done in one day Preserves resale value by keeping factory panels and finish intact Eco-friendly—no chemicals, solvents, or waste Often costs less than insurance deductibles Drive a Camry? Got Dents? If you’re located in Midland, Saginaw, or Sanford, Michigan, and have dents or dings on your Toyota Camry, bring it to the experts at CD Dents. We’ll inspect the damage for free and let you know if your vehicle qualifies for PDR. In most cases, we can save you time, money, and hassle—without compromising quality. Contact CD Dents today and let us bring your Camry back to showroom shape.
August 4, 2025
If you drive a Ford F-150, you already know it's built tough. But even the toughest trucks aren’t immune to door dings, parking lot mishaps, or hail damage. At CD Dents, we recently worked on a 2019 Ford F-150 that had several dents on the driver-side door and rear panel—perfect candidates for Paintless Dent Removal (PDR). The owner was concerned about preserving the original factory paint and avoiding a lengthy, costly repair at a traditional body shop. After inspecting the vehicle, we determined that PDR was not only possible—it was the ideal solution. Why PDR Works So Well on the Ford F-150 The Ford F-150's body panels, particularly the aluminum doors and beds on newer models, are excellent candidates for Paintless Dent Repair when handled by an experienced technician. Aluminum can be tricky to work with—it’s more rigid than steel—but our certified team has the specialized tools and training to handle these repairs with precision. For this particular truck, the dents were caused by a shopping cart and a minor parking lot bump. Thankfully, the paint was still intact, which made the repair process straightforward. Using our custom lighting system and precision tools, we massaged the dents out from behind the panel—no filler, no sanding, and no paint needed. Same-Day Service. Factory Finish Intact. One of the best things about PDR is the turnaround time. This F-150 was back in the owner’s hands the same day, with zero signs of the damage that was there that morning. No waiting for parts. No color-matching. Just clean, efficient restoration that keeps your truck looking like new. Preserve Value. Avoid Paint Work. If you're driving a newer Ford F-150, preserving the factory finish is critical for maintaining resale and trade-in value. Repainting a panel—even professionally—can lower the value of your vehicle and show up on accident reports. PDR avoids that entirely. Got a Dent in Your Ford F-150? If you’re located in Midland, Saginaw, or Sanford, Michigan, and have dents or hail damage on your Ford F-150, bring it to CD Dents. We’ll give you a free inspection and let you know if your truck qualifies for PDR. In many cases, even dents that look “unrepairable” can be handled with our advanced tools and techniques. Contact us today and get your F-150 looking factory-fresh again—without the body shop hassle.
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