How Winter Weather in Surrey Affects Your Vehicle After a Collision

Winter in Surrey, BC, is cold, wet, and sometimes snowy. In these conditions, not only are car accidents more common, but they can also cause more damage to your vehicle. Collision damage will only become worse if you delay auto body and collision repair services and leave your vehicle vulnerable to the elements. At Columbia Collision Repairs, we offer prompt, professional auto body repairs in every season. Here’s a look at how winter weather can affect your vehicle during and after an accident.

Snow-covered cars with severe front-end damage after a winter collision on a Surrey, BC

Common Winter Conditions That Impact Your Vehicle

Surrey experiences a high volume of rain during the winter. Driving in rainy conditions can reduce visibility, reduce traction on the road, and increase the risk of errors behind the wheel. If your vehicle has been in an accident, wet conditions can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s frame and internal systems. In addition to rain, Surrey occasionally sees snow, ice, hail, and heavy winds. These conditions also increase the risk of an accident and can make vehicle damage much worse in the event of a collision.

How Winter Weather Affects Your Car After a Collision

Even if your car has not been damaged in a collision, it puts added stress on your vehicle. You might experience reduced battery power, thickened engine fluids that reduce fuel efficiency, condensation in the fuel lines, and lower tire pressure. When your vehicle has scratches, dents, or structural damage, cold weather has an even greater impact:

  • Rust and Corrosion – Areas of damaged paint, a damaged undercarriage, or bent panels can allow moisture and road salt or de-icing solutions to infiltrate the inner structure of your vehicle, leading to rust and corrosion on the frame, brakes, suspension, engine, and exhaust. Rust can quickly damage a vehicle and render it undriveable.
  • Paint and Finish Damage – If rust develops on the body panels of the vehicle, paint may bubble and peel. Even before rust and corrosion occur, moisture and cold temperatures can cause paint to warp or crack, turning minor cosmetic damage into a significant problem. Additionally, auto body paint takes longer to properly cure in cold temperatures, so you should always seek professional paint restoration after an accident instead of attempting to patch the paint Not only will the results be better matched to your vehicle’s colour and finish, but the paint will be properly set and cured to restore the protective finish of your vehicle.
  • Frame and Alignment Issues – Metal becomes more brittle in cold temperatures, so it is more prone to cracking or breaking upon impact. Existing damage can also become much worse during the cold. For example, dents may become larger or form cracks, or poor wheel alignment may become even more severe.
  • Electrical and Sensor Problems – Another potential risk with corrosion is damage to the vehicle’s electrical system due to damaged wiring, poor connections, and malfunctioning sensors. Additionally, ice, rain, and fog can all reduce the accuracy of safety sensors like blind spot monitoring and back-up cameras, further increasing the risk of a collision.
  • Glass and Windshield Damage – If you have a small crack or chip in your windshield, it can quickly become a major crack that requires the entire windshield to be replaced. During the winter, the glass in your windshield will contract, putting added tension on existing chips or cracks. Running your vehicle’s heater can only worsen the problem, as the sudden temperature change can cause uneven expansion of the glass molecules.

Why Timely Collision Repair Is Crucial During Winter

If you’ve been in a car accident at any time of year, seeking professional auto body and collision repair right away is essential. Even if you don’t think your vehicle has sustained serious damage, there may be issues below the surface that aren’t immediately noticeable. Plus, even small problems like dents and scratches can become much worse if they aren’t fixed in a timely manner. Winter weather only accelerates damage to your vehicle after a collision, so don’t wait to visit an auto body shop to get professional collision repairs.

Tips to Protect Your Vehicle Post-Collision in Winter

During a severe storm, you may not be able to get your vehicle to the shop immediately, so you should take steps to protect your vehicle until you can get it repaired. Avoid driving and park in a garage if possible. Otherwise, remove any snow, ice, or rain from your vehicle and cover it with a waterproof vehicle cover. When conditions improve, towing your vehicle to the shop rather than attempting to drive it will prevent further damage.

Get Expert Collision Repair Services in Surrey

Columbia Collision Repairs is here for you when you need reliable car body collision repair in Surrey, BC. We are open Monday-Saturday, but our staff is available to answer the phone 24/7 to help you coordinate your collision repair service. Count on our ICBC-accredited shop to provide comprehensive, precise repairs that will get your vehicle back to pre-accident condition as quickly as possible.

Winter Collision Repair FAQs

Can cold weather cause car problems?
Yes, cold weather can cause both mechanical and structural issues for your vehicle. It can also increase the risk of an accident, so it is important to use extra caution when driving during the winter and routinely inspect your vehicle for damage.

How can I get around while my car is having auto body and collision repair?
Getting around during the winter when your car is in the shop can be challenging. Fortunately, we offer courtesy vehicles along with pick up and drop off services, helping you get where you need to go while your vehicle is being repaired.