Follow the advice given at collection

When your vehicle comes back from a panel or paint repair, the hard work should be finished. A little sensible aftercare can still help protect the repaired area and keep the finish looking its best.

The most important advice is the advice that applies to your specific repair. Paint systems, repair areas and conditions can vary, so follow any instructions the team gives you when the vehicle is collected.

Be gentle with the finish

Freshly refinished areas should be treated carefully, particularly if you are cleaning the vehicle soon after the repair.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing, harsh chemicals, abrasive compounds or polishing products unless the team has confirmed they are suitable. If you are unsure whether the vehicle is ready for a particular wash, wax or detailing treatment, contact the office first rather than guessing.

Remove contaminants carefully

Bird droppings, tree sap, road grime and other contaminants are best dealt with before they are left sitting on the paint for long periods. The key is to remove them gently rather than attacking the area with an abrasive pad or strong chemical cleaner.

Use clean, appropriate vehicle-care products and avoid rubbing grit across the surface. If something will not come away easily, ask the team for advice.

Keep an eye on the repaired area

Once you have the vehicle back in normal use, you should expect the repaired area to feel like part of the vehicle again. Pay attention if something around the repair does not look, sound or operate as expected.

That might include a trim piece that has moved, a warning light, an unusual noise, a concern with panel fit or anything else that makes you question the finished repair. It is better to raise a concern early than leave it and wonder.

Do not assume every concern is cosmetic

Panel and paint work can sit alongside sensors, cameras, lighting, trim and other vehicle systems. If something appears after collection that may relate to the repaired area, let the repairer know rather than trying to diagnose it yourself.

Good aftercare is not about being nervous around the vehicle. It is simply about treating the repair sensibly and speaking up if anything does not seem right.

Workmanship and warranty support

As a Collision Repair Association repairer, Maidstone is committed to maintaining industry-recognised workmanship and warranties. If you have a concern after collection, contact the office and we can talk through the issue and any applicable workmanship or warranty support.

Enjoy having the vehicle back

For most customers, the best sign of a good repair is that they can stop thinking about the accident and get back to using the vehicle normally. Follow the handover advice, look after the finish sensibly and get in touch if you have any questions.

Have a question about a recent repair? Contact the office and we will be happy to talk it through.