Paint chips can occur due to various factors, and understanding their causes is the first step towards preventing them. Here are some common reasons for paint chips:

• Road Debris: Gravel, stones, and other debris kicked up by passing vehicles can strike your car’s exterior and cause unsightly paint chips.

• Harsh Weather: Extreme weather conditions, including hailstorms, can cause paint damage and leave chips on your vehicle.

• Improper Washing: Abrasive materials or washing techniques can gradually wear down the paint and contribute to chipping.

• Age and Wear: Over time, exposure to sunlight, weather, road conditions, and vehicle care practices can affect your paint’s condition.

There are even more potential causes for your car’s paint chip. Whatever the source, your next step is clear at our service center.

Paint chips may seem minor, but they can have more significant consequences than you might think. Here are some of the issues they can cause:

• Aesthetic Impact: Paint chips can take away from your car’s appearance, making it look older and less appealing.

• Rust Risk: According to CARFAX®, small stone chips and paint nicks can become starting points for rust when left unrepaired. Applying matching touch-up paint can help protect the vehicle’s exterior and limit corrosion.*

• Resale Value: If you plan to sell or trade in your vehicle, maintaining the exterior can help preserve its overall value.

If you spend a good amount of time driving around Fishers, you already know that your vehicle encounters plenty of different road conditions. The good news is that you can take a few practical steps to reduce the chances of picking up new chips.

One of the easiest habits is to leave extra space around larger trucks and vehicles carrying loose material. If you see a truck kicking up gravel or road debris, giving yourself additional following distance can reduce the amount of material reaching your vehicle. The same idea applies when traveling near construction zones or recently resurfaced roads around Fishers and the Indianapolis area.

You can also consider a paint protection film (PPF) for areas that receive frequent impacts, such as the front bumper, hood, mirrors, and fenders. Keeping your vehicle clean is another useful step because dirt and road residue can hide small chips.

At our collision center, we take pride in our team of experienced paint repair experts. Our highly skilled technicians utilize the latest techniques and tools to restore your car’s paint to its original glory. We understand that every vehicle is unique and tailor our approach to provide the best possible results.

Our process includes:

• Thorough Inspection: We assess the extent of the paint damage to determine the most effective repair method.

• Precision Repairs: Our experts use precision techniques to repair paint chips and help create a seamless finish.

• Quality Paint Matching: We use paint-matching technology to help the repaired area blend naturally with the rest of your vehicle’s exterior.

• Protective Coating: Depending on the repair, a protective clear coat may be applied as part of the finishing process.

Whether you’re heading to Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve or Conner Prairie, we want you to get there in a car that looks its best and with the peace of mind that your vehicle’s paint has been expertly treated for paint chips.

You might be wondering how long your vehicle will actually need to be at our facilities. The answer depends on the specific chips rather than simply the fact that you have paint damage. As a general planning guide:

• A few small chips: Often around 1 to 3 hours, depending on their location and condition.

• Several chips in one area: Approximately 2 to 5 hours may be needed when additional preparation is involved.

• Multiple panels or larger damaged areas: The service may extend to part of a day or longer, depending on the repair process.

• More involved paint work: Preparation, color matching, curing, blending, and finishing can add time when the damage is more extensive.

• Special finishes: Certain paint colors or finishes can require additional steps to achieve an appropriate result.

The actual time can change according to the number, size, depth, and location of the chips, along with the repair procedure selected for your vehicle. Bring your car to our body shop near Fishers!