When it comes to issues with Sprinter Vans, one of the most common ones we see is de-lamination. However, it’s not always easy to spot de-lamination early on. And because of this, it’s difficult to know when you should bring your Sprinter Van into the shop. Even so, it’s our goal to help make your life just a little bit easier and have you driving your Sprinter Van again in no time.
So, What is de-lamination and what does it have to do with your Sprinter Van?
While I’m sure you’re familiar with what de-lamination is, we’ll give a quick run-down for anyone who hasn’t heard of it before. We’re sure you’ve seen it at least once or twice in your life. However, it essentially looks a bit flaky, white, and– well, it’s not pretty, to say the least.
De-lamination can be pretty tough to spot since it usually starts off small, but if left unchecked, it can spread pretty rapidly.
More-or-less, de-lamination is a special word for when the clear coat above the paint starts to separate from the vehicle. And it can be caused by a variety of things. Whether it’s collision, rain, or just simply driving the Sprinter Van often, de-lamination can happen just being out in the weather.
In a lot of cases, de-lamination occurs when water gets in between the cracks– either through windows, cracks and so on. However, collision damage can also create air pockets between the clear coat and the paint beneath. When this happens, it separates the two and slowly sheds the clear coat from the pain– kind of like snakeskin.
2 Best Ways To Spot De-lamination On Your Sprinter Van In Dallas, Texas
If you own a commercial Sprinter Van or even another Sprinter Van model, it’s important to understand and know how to spot de-lamination. It may not seem as though it would be expensive, but when it comes down to it, de-lamination can add up in costs pretty quickly. However, below we have 2 of the best ways to spot de-lamination before it gets to that point.
The Obvious: Walk Around Your Sprinter Van And Inspect
It’s obvious enough, but it’s also important that you take your time and inspect carefully when doing this. It’s easy to miss the signs if you aren’t paying close enough attention. You’ll want to make sure you check anywhere water could have gotten in such as windows, cracks, and so on. However, you’ll also want to check electrical units like your AC because water is known to leak down into Sprinter Van interior electrical units.
The Simple: Check For Bubbles On Your Sprinter Van’s Exterior
Creases, ripples, bubbles, soft spots– whatever you want to call them– are big indicators of de-lamination. They’ll often feel spongy, but if you can’t tell what type of lump is there, tap it with a small object. It’ll help you hear whether it’s hollow or not, and if it is, then you most certainly have de-lamination.
The Sprinter Center specializes in Sprinter Van repair. So, if you suspect de-lamination or see any things that resemble what we discussed, bring your Sprinter Van immediately for inspection. We’ll have one of our specialists inspect the areas and help determine whether it’s de-lamination and if so, begin the repair process. And even though you could potentially fix it yourself, there’s a lot of room for error. Plus, it’s not an easy fix to get right.
Wherever the damage is, it could be dangerous to fix. If it’s on your roof, you’ll have to climb up and put yourself at risk. However, the danger could also be in making the issue worse than it was originally. Beyond that, some sealants could give off toxic fumes.
Even though de-lamination is pretty common, there are ways you can stop it from happening. The best and most obvious solution is to make sure you bring your Sprinter Van in for a routine check-up– allowing for proper reconditioning and inspection. Outside of that, you can simply try to park your Sprinter Van in places where it’s protected from the weather. So, if you suspect de-lamination on your Sprinter Van, let us know! We’re passionate about Sprinter Vans and have an extremely talented team that would love to take a look at your vehicle.
The Sprinter Center provides high quality, quick, and efficient Sprinter Van diagnosis and repairs.
The Sprinter Center has a team of highly trained professionals experienced in repairing, modifying, and converting Sprinter Vans and other large vehicles. We have stations designed specifically for larger vehicles and offer quick and efficient work like nowhere else in Dallas, TX.