OEM-Certified Collision Repair Center Explains Winter Damage Effects on Safety, Paint & Performance
Faribault, United States – January 27, 2026 / Malecha’s Auto Body /
WASECA, MN – January 2026. Malecha’s Auto Body, a family-owned and OEM-certified collision repair provider serving Waseca, Minnesota, has released a spring auto body inspection checklist designed to help local drivers identify winter-related vehicle damage before it leads to safety concerns or costly repairs.
Drivers can learn more about spring inspections and schedule an appointment at Malecha’s Auto Body in Waseca.
Minnesota winters expose vehicles to road salt, potholes, moisture, and extreme temperature changes. These conditions can cause corrosion, suspension damage, paint failure, and misalignment issues that are not always visible immediately. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), corrosion and winter road damage can affect vehicle safety and longevity if left unaddressed.
“Spring is when winter damage finally shows itself,” said William “Willy” Malecha, Founder and President of Malecha’s Auto Body. “What looks minor now can turn into major repairs if it’s ignored. Our goal is to help Waseca drivers catch issues early and fix them the right way.”
Malecha’s Auto Body recommends spring inspections focus on areas most affected by winter driving, including rocker panels, wheel arches, door seams, and underbody components where salt and moisture accumulate. Paint chips and clear coat damage should be addressed promptly to prevent rust from spreading beneath the surface.
Potholes are another common winter-related concern. Impacts can damage suspension components and alter vehicle alignment, which may also affect advanced safety systems. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that proper vehicle geometry is critical for systems such as lane assist and automatic emergency braking to function correctly.
Glass damage is also frequently discovered in spring. Small windshield chips caused by winter debris often spread as temperatures fluctuate. On modern vehicles, windshield damage can affect forward-facing cameras used for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. When glass is replaced or damaged near these cameras, ADAS calibration may be required as part of the collision repair process.
Malecha’s Auto Body performs spring inspections using OEM repair procedures and diagnostic scanning to identify hidden issues that visual inspections may miss. The I-CAR Gold Class program emphasizes that proper inspection and documentation are essential for safe and complete post-winter repairs.
All repairs at Malecha’s Auto Body are completed in-house and backed by a Lifetime Warranty, giving Waseca drivers confidence that winter-related damage is addressed correctly. Additional vehicle safety information and seasonal maintenance guidance is available through resources from NHTSA and I-CAR.
About Malecha’s Auto Body
Malecha’s Auto Body is southern Minnesota’s premier OEM-certified collision repair provider, serving Faribault and Waseca, MN. Founded in 2002 by Willy Malecha, the company combines advanced repair technology with small-town integrity, offering collision repair, auto body repair, glass replacement, ADAS calibration, and PPG-certified refinishing. Every repair is backed by a Lifetime Warranty and handled with transparency, quality, and care.
Contact Information
Malecha’s Auto Body – Waseca
715 S State St
Waseca, MN 56093
📞 (507) 835-8615
Contact Information:
Malecha’s Auto Body
190 20th St NW
Faribault, MN 55021
United States
William Malecha
(507) 838-8166
https://malechasautobodyllc.com/
Original Source: https://malechasautobodyllc.com/spring-auto-body-checkup-waseca-mn-winter-damage-checklist/
