Auto Body Repair Riverdale GA: Protect Your Car with Our Winter 5-Point Body Integrity Checklist

When temperatures drop in Clayton County, most drivers think about their heaters and antifreeze. But at Mims Auto Body Repair, we’ve spent over 30 years seeing what the cold really does to your vehicle’s exterior. From brittle plastics to corrosive road treatments, winter is the season where "minor" issues turn into major expenses.

As a family-owned pillar of the Riverdale community since 1994, we want to keep you safe. That is why we are introducing our most important service yet: MIMS Accident Response™.

NEW: 24/7 Guidance After a Crash

Winter weather leads to unpredictable road conditions. If you are involved in a collision, you no longer have to navigate the stress alone. Our new MIMS Accident Response™ provides 24/7 guidance the moment a crash happens.

• Immediate Support: We guide you through the "next steps" while you are still on the scene.

• Insurance Advocacy: We help ensure your claim is handled correctly from hour one.

• Total Peace of Mind: Day or night, Mims is standing by to protect you and your vehicle.

When winter arrives in Clayton County, many drivers focus on keeping their engines warm and antifreeze levels topped up. Yet, the cold weather affects much more than just your car’s performance under the hood. At Mims Auto Body Repair, we’ve seen how winter can quietly damage your vehicle’s exterior, turning small issues into costly repairs. From brittle plastics to corrosive road treatments, the season demands extra care to protect your car’s body.

This guide shares a practical 5-point checklist to help you maintain your car’s body integrity during the colder months. Following these steps can save you money and keep your vehicle looking great all winter long.

Cracked plastic bumper caused by cold weather

Cold weather can make plastic bumpers brittle and prone to cracking.

Inspect for Brittle Impact Points

Plastic bumpers and trim parts become more fragile when temperatures drop. What might be a harmless bump in summer can cause cracks or breaks in winter. Check your car’s bumpers, side mirrors, and plastic trim for any signs of brittleness or damage.

Small cracks often start at clips or supports that hold these parts in place. If these fail, the damage worsens quickly. Getting a professional assessment can identify weak spots before they turn into expensive repairs. At Mims Auto Body Repair, we offer thorough inspections to ensure all clips and supports are secure and intact.

Seal Your Paint Against Corrosion

Even in Georgia, winter brings occasional use of road salt and brine to prevent ice. These chemicals can eat through your car’s clear coat and expose the metal underneath to rust. Protecting your paint is essential to avoid corrosion that spreads beneath the surface.

A professional basecoat and clearcoat finish creates a strong, glossy barrier. This finish not only enhances your car’s appearance but also shields the metal from moisture and salt damage. Regular waxing or ceramic coating can also add protection, but professional finishes provide the most durable defense.

Restored clear headlights improving night visibility in winter

Clear headlights improve visibility during long winter nights.

Restore Your Night Vision

Winter means shorter days and more driving in the dark. Cloudy or oxidized headlights reduce your visibility by up to 50 percent, making night driving dangerous. Restoring your headlights improves both safety and the car’s appearance.

Headlight restoration removes the yellowing and haze caused by sun and weather exposure. The process polishes the lens and applies a protective coating to keep them clear longer. This simple service can make a big difference in how well you see and how well other drivers see you.

Check Your Door and Window Seals

Freezing rain and cold air can sneak inside your car through worn weatherstripping. Moisture trapped inside can cause doors to freeze shut or create foggy windows that reduce visibility. It also leads to unpleasant drafts and potential damage to interior components.

Inspect your door and window seals for cracks, gaps, or stiffness. Replacing worn weatherstripping keeps moisture out and maintains a comfortable cabin temperature. This small step prevents bigger problems like frozen locks or mold buildup inside your car.

Fix Chips Before They Spider

Temperature swings cause metal and glass to expand and contract. A tiny rock chip from summer can quickly turn into a spiderweb crack during winter’s freeze-thaw cycles. These cracks not only look bad but also weaken your windshield or body panels.

Repairing chips early prevents cracks from spreading and avoids costly windshield replacements. Many auto shops offer quick chip repair services that fill and seal the damaged area. This maintenance keeps your car safer and preserves its resale value.

Winter can be tough on your car’s exterior, but with the right care, you can avoid major repairs and keep your vehicle looking its best. Use this 5-point checklist to stay ahead of winter damage and enjoy safer, more confident driving in Clayton County.

Have more questions? Feel free to give Mims Auto Body Repair a call. We are here to help you.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

We are proud to be the neighbors you’ve trusted for decades. Here is what your fellow Riverdale drivers are saying in 2025 and 2026:

• "I've been using this shop for over 25 years. I don't trust my vehicles to any other shop... if you want it done right, this is the place." — Wanda B. (Dec 2025)

• "Mims did a great job painting the bumper on my Nissan Altima. I’m 100 percent satisfied with the service." — Google Reviewer (Dec 2025)

• "Will recommend this company to anyone that needs auto body repair." — Local Customer (June 2025)

Stop by Mims Auto Body Repair at 629 Roberts Dr Riverdale GA Building A, for a winter estimate. Let’s make sure your car is ready for whatever the season brings!