Monday to Saturday - 8:00 -17:30
From door dings to serious dents, check these areas now.
Introduction
Body damage can be sneaky. From minor door dings to hidden rust under the paint, these issues often go unnoticed, until it’s too late. And when left unchecked, even the smallest imperfection can grow into a costly, complex body repair job.
Whether you’re assessing your vehicle post-winter, after a minor collision, or during a seasonal inspection, these 9 quick checks will help you spot body damage early and take action before it gets expensive.
1. Inspect All Four Corners of Your Car
Start your walkaround by checking the front and rear bumpers as well as the quarter panels. These spots are common impact zones in parking lots or low-speed incidents creating body damage.
Look for:
- Cracks in the paint
- Scuffs, scratches, or dents
- Loose trim or gaps
2. Check Door Panels for Dings and Ripples
Your car’s doors are magnets for dings from other vehicles and shopping carts. Sometimes body damage isn’t visible head-on, check from an angle under direct light for ripples or uneven reflections.
3. Look Closely at the Roofline and Hood
Drivers often overlook their vehicle’s roof and hood, but these areas suffer from hail, tree branches, and debris. Any small dents or paint chips can lead to rust and leaks over time.
4. Examine the Undercarriage and Rocker Panels
Crouch down and check the side skirts, wheel wells, and rocker panels. These spots are susceptible to:
- Rust due to salt or water buildup
- Damage from road debris or curbs
If you see flaking paint, bubbling, or discoloration, you may need rust removal or protection.
5. Inspect Around the Windshield and Windows
Cracks in the surrounding metal frame of your windshield or side windows can cause leaks and structural weakness. Look for signs of:
- Paint cracking
- Corrosion along the edges
- Mold or water streaks inside the car
6. Check for Paint Bubbling or Discoloration
Paint bubbling is usually an early sign of corrosion forming underneath the surface. If left untreated, it will spread, cause rust, and weaken the body panel.
Use your fingers to feel for raised or soft areas on panels and bumpers.
7. Test the Trunk and Hood Alignment
Open and close your trunk and hood to make sure they shut evenly. Misaligned panels can indicate:
- Frame damage from a past collision
- A compromised latch or hinge
- Warped panels due to temperature or pressure
Uneven gaps between the hood or trunk and the body are a red flag showing body damage.
Don’t wait Call us today!
We will take care of your car for you.
8. Use a Magnet to Check for Filler Spots
A simple trick: hold a magnet to various body panels. If it doesn’t stick, there may be body filler (Bondo) hiding a past repair.
This doesn’t always mean poor quality work—but it’s good to know what’s beneath the surface.
9. Check the Underside of the Bumpers and Skirts
Curb rash, speed bumps, and potholes often cause damage underneath where most drivers never look. Scratches or cracking here may affect aerodynamics or even lead to moisture intrusion.
When to Visit a Body Repair Shop
If any of the above checks reveal signs of damage—whether cosmetic or structural—it’s best to consult a professional. At Aida Auto Sale Ltd., we provide:
- Full body panel repair and paint
- Rust removal and treatment
- Dent and scratch repair
- Frame alignment and panel replacement
📞 Schedule Your Body Damage Assessment today to get a free estimate.
DIY vs. Professional Repair
While minor surface scratches or headlight polishing can be done at home, deeper body repairs require proper tools, paint matching, and safety equipment. DIY jobs may not restore structural integrity or finish.
Why Body Repairs Shouldn’t Be Delayed
Even small dents or scratches can lead to:
- Rust spreading underneath paint
- Water leaks inside the cabin
- Reduced resale value
- Increased risk in collisions due to weakened frame structure
Delaying repair now may mean paying more later.
Why Trust Aida Auto for Your Body Repairs?
With 20+ years in Niagara’s auto industry, Aida Auto Sale Ltd. offers:
- Precision color matching and paint finishing
- Advanced dent repair tools
- Transparent pricing and fast turnaround
- Friendly customer service
We treat every car like it’s our own. Whether it’s a leased car, your daily driver, or a work vehicle, we’ve got your back.
📍 Visit aidaautosale.com to view our services or book an appointment here.
Conclusion
Your car may not “complain” the way your engine or brakes do, but its body speaks volumes, if you know where to look. Doing these 9 quick checks every season helps catch hidden problems early, protect your investment, and ensure your vehicle stays as sharp as it drives.
Ready for a professional inspection or repair?
👉 Book your body damage assessment with Aida Auto now and drive with confidence.