The Best Time of Year to Get Your Car Repaired
Let’s face it – nobody really plans when to fix those annoying scratches and dents on their car. Most of us just wait until we can’t stand looking at them anymore. But here at The SMART Repair People, customers often ask us if there’s actually a “best” time to get repairs done.
Truth is, timing can make a difference. Not just for your wallet, but for how well the repairs hold up over time. Let’s break it down by season and see what works best.
Why Timing Actually Matters
Most people only think about car body repairs after they’ve reversed into a shopping trolley or scraped a wall. But being strategic about when you book repairs can:
- Save you from working around lousy weather conditions
- Help you avoid the seasonal rush when everyone’s trying to book
- Often get you better rates when shops aren’t swamped
- Prevent minor damage from turning into serious problems (that small chip can become a rust patch quicker than you’d think)
Let’s take a closer look at each season.
Spring: Fresh Starts for Your Car Too
Spring is when many people finally address all that winter damage.
The Good:
- Weather’s decent – not too hot or cold for paint to cure properly
- All those winter grit marks and salt damage can finally be sorted
- You can get your car looking sharp before summer road trip season
The Not-So-Good:
- Everyone has the same idea, so booking slots disappear fast
- Easter holidays can create scheduling headaches
- Pollen can occasionally be a nuisance for outdoor repairs
Bottom Line: Spring is ideal if you book early. Those winter scratches won’t fix themselves, and it’s nice to start the warmer months with a car that doesn’t look like it drove through a war zone.
Summer: Peak Season for a Reason
Summer is show-off season for cars – more daylight, more road trips, more reasons to have your car looking its best.
The Good:
- Dry weather makes mobile repairs much easier
- Paint dries faster in warmer temps (though extremely hot days can be problematic)
- Perfect timing if you’re selling your car or ending a lease
The Not-So-Good:
- Scorching days can sometimes affect finish quality
- Everyone’s on holiday – both customers and technicians
- It’s the busiest season, so you might wait longer
Bottom Line: Summer is popular for good reason. If you can handle the potential wait times, it’s hard to beat summer for reliable weather and quick drying times.
Autumn: The Insider’s Choice
Autumn flies under the radar as repair season, which is exactly why it’s often the smartest choice.
The Good:
- The weather’s still decent but the summer rush has died down
- Fixing damage before winter prevents rust and corrosion setting in
- Better availability and sometimes better pricing
The Not-So-Good:
- Shorter days mean less time for outdoor repairs
- Those random autumn downpours can delay work
Bottom Line: Autumn might be the sweet spot – experienced car owners know it’s the perfect balance of good conditions and better availability. Plus, you’re protecting your car before the harsh winter months hit.
Winter: Only If You Must
Winter isn’t ideal for body repairs, but sometimes you can’t wait.
The Good:
- Less competition for booking slots
- Some shops offer winter discounts
- Indoor repairs aren’t affected by the weather
The Not-So-Good:
- Cold temperatures aren’t friendly to paint and fillers
- Limited daylight hours compress work schedules
- Holiday closures can make parts harder to get
Bottom Line: If you’ve got damage that could worsen (like exposed metal that might rust), don’t wait. Otherwise, you might be better off holding out until spring.
Other Things to Consider
Seasonal weather isn’t the only factor:
Your Own Schedule If you’re mad busy during summer, it makes no sense to add car repairs to your to-do list.
Selling or Lease Return Dates Give yourself breathing room – sort repairs a few weeks before deadlines to avoid panic.
Repair Durability Don’t worry about winter weather ruining fresh repairs. At The SMART Repair People, our work is properly sealed and weatherproofed.
Business Fleets If you manage multiple vehicles, schedule regular checks during your quieter periods – prevention beats emergency repairs every time.
So, When Should You Book?
Here’s the quick version:
- Spring: Great for fixing winter damage
- Summer: Ideal conditions but expect to wait
- Autumn: The smart choice for availability and still-good weather
- Winter: Not perfect, but sometimes necessary
Most importantly, don’t let small issues turn into bigger problems. The best time is always “before it gets worse.”
Ready to Sort Your Car?
Whether it’s a scratch from a supermarket car park, a dent from a rogue shopping cart, or touch-ups before returning a lease, we’ve got you covered. Our mobile technicians work year-round and can handle almost any conditions.
