Midwest drivers know the drill. The first big snow hits, the plows come out, and by morning, roads are coated in a gritty mix of slush and salt.

It keeps families safer on icy streets, but it can be brutal on vehicles—especially in places where winter hangs on for months. Left alone, that salty spray can start rusting critical metal in a matter of weeks.

Road salt works by lowering the freezing point of water so ice can melt, but mixed with moisture it becomes highly corrosive.

It splashes into wheel wells, packs into rocker panels, and clings to the undercarriage, quietly attacking steel, brake and fuel lines, and suspension parts. Even small rock chips in paint can give salt a way to reach bare metal and start bubbling, flaking, and rust.

The team at Marv’s Body Shop has been helping drivers stay ahead of that damage since 1971.

Their technicians see the same problem every winter: what starts as a little surface rust can turn into bigger structural or safety issues if it’s ignored. Catching it early often means a straightforward repair to a panel or seam instead of more extensive metal work down the road.

Simple habits go a long way. Regular winter washes, especially ones that clean the undercarriage, help rinse away salt before it can sit and do its worst. Inspecting lower doors, wheel arches, and the trunk lip for tiny rust spots or bubbling paint can reveal trouble early. Addressing paint chips and scratches before winter—or as soon as you notice them—helps keep bare metal sealed from the elements.

When rust has already started, an experienced body shop can clean and repair affected areas, rebuild or replace damaged panels, and refinish them so they’re protected again.

Marv’s Body Shop uses high-quality materials and modern repair techniques aimed at getting vehicles safely back on the road and extending their useful life, whether the damage comes from a fender bender, years of salt exposure, or both.

Summer means road trip season, with families hitting the highways to create lasting memories. While you’re having fun, your car is quietly facing hidden damage. Here are some tips to keep your car in great shape after your summer adventures.

Paint Problems: More than Just Scratches

Your car’s paint faces many hazards during a road trip. Gravel roads and debris from other cars can cause small chips, which might seem minor but can lead to rust if ignored. Bugs splattered on your car leave acidic residue that can permanently damage your paint if not cleaned quickly. And long hours in strong sunlight can fade your paint, making your vehicle look old before its time.

Windshield Worries: Tiny Chips Can Cause Big Issues

One common problem after a long road trip is windshield damage. Small stones kicked up by other vehicles can create tiny chips. These chips might start small, but they can quickly grow into larger cracks, blocking your vision and becoming dangerous. Even without obvious cracks, constant grit and sand hitting your windshield can cause tiny pits, reducing visibility, especially at night or when driving into bright sunlight.

Don’t Ignore Post-Road Trip Damage

After enjoying your summer travels, take a close look at your car. Do you see any new scratches, chips, or windshield imperfections? Marv’s Body Shop can help.

Their experienced team specializes in repairing road trip damage, from fixing paint chips and fading to replacing damaged windshields. Marv’s can also check your vehicle’s overall structure to make sure everything is safe and secure.

Keep the fun going by ensuring your car is well cared for after each adventure. Visit us to get your vehicle checked and repaired, so it stays ready for the road ahead.

Schedule your appointment today!

Despite your best efforts as a parent and all the driving classes your teenager took, it finally happened: they were involved in their first car accident.

What do you do? Marv’s Body Shop is here to help.

1. Safety First:The first priority is always safety. Have your teen immediately assess if anyone is hurt and call 911 if there are any injuries. If the vehicles are drivable, they should move them out of traffic and turn on hazard lights.
2. Document Everything, But Be Supportive: Your teen is likely scared and overwhelmed. Providing calm, reassuring support helps them handle the situation appropriately. While comforting them, guide them through documenting the scene with photos and collecting insurance information from all parties involved.
3. Choose the Right Repair Shop for Quality Restoration:Once everyone is safe and the paperwork is filed, getting your vehicle properly repaired becomes the priority. This is where Marv’s Body Shop makes the difference. With decades of combined experience in collision repair, our team understands that your teen’s first accident is stressful enough without worrying about subpar repairs.

With Marv’s Body Shop in your corner, we’ll help you and your teen navigate the tricky waters of dealing with the accident.

There’s no mistaking the pinging of a hail storm on a car roof. When at home you may be lucky enough to park under a carport or in a garage. Unfortunately, you can’t always prevent damage from severe weather.

When you’re stuck with hail damage you’ll need to get it fixed. First, you’ll want to document the damage and take note of the level of damage. Hail damage can range from small dents to deeper more extensive damage. Hail can cause significant dents causing bent car body panels and making it difficult for doors, hoods or trunk lids to close. Cars can even be left with broken windshields and repairs can rise into the thousands.

An auto body specialist can help remediate damage from hail. They’ll start by assessing the damage and giving you an estimate. After getting your “ok,” they’ll begin by ordering the necessary parts to complete the job. Then comes the repair, this step may involve fixing or replacing damaged body panels, addressing mechanical issues, and restoring the paint and finish of the vehicle. The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the damage.

To guarantee perfection, the repair shop conducts a thorough final inspection, leaving no stone unturned until they are satisfied with the completed restorations. If you need professional car repair solutions in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Marv’s Body Shop is your trusted partner. We guarantee exceptional results with our skilled technicians, state-of-the-art facility, and dedication to quality. Contact us today for an estimate and experience the best auto body repair services