Mon – Fri: 8am – 6pm 
134 Spring Street 
(703) 471-4494
Saab owners have a reputation for being diehard drivers, and with good reason, they’re drawn to the unique cocktail of Scandinavian design, safety, and performance. But as with any vehicle, Saabs can develop exterior maladies. Peeling paint, sun-damaged trim, annoying dents , and scratches — these are the issues that can cause an otherwise well-kept car to appear to beat. Our goal here at Auto Scandia is to renovate the Saab exterior to its original condition. We’re a dedicated repair shop in Herndon, VA, serving Saab drivers from Sterling, Reston, Great Falls, Chantilly, and Oakton with specialized repair services designed specifically for your car.
Fading Paint and Peeling Clear Coat: Why It Happens and How We Fix It
Paint wear is one of the most common exterior issues Saab owners face. If your once shiny Saab is now dull or patchy, it is usually due to extended exposure to sunlight, a bad previous paint job, or contaminants like road salts and tree sap.
Why Saabs Have Paint Damage
Saabs of this generation are known for their durable factory paint, but there’s no escaping from the elements. UV rays eventually degrade the clear coat , causing it to oxidize, fade, and peel. This is particularly prevalent on the hood, roof, and trunk, all subjected to the worst of the sun’s punishment. Without any treatment, the damage gets worse, leaving the base paint and, eventually, the metal underneath it exposed, which can prompt rust to occur.
How We Restore Saab Paintwork
At Auto Scandia, we don’t mask the problem—we address it from the source. We offer a paint restoration process that consists of:
- Buffing & Polishing: If your paint is dull but not severely damaged, we will use professional-grade buffing compounds to restore shine and remove oxidation.
- Precise Coat Repair: If your clear coat is peeling or flaking, we will sand down the affected areas, blend in a new clear coat, and polish it to match the factory finish.
- Respray Services: If your Saab’s paint is beyond spot repairs, we can fully refinish the affected panels to return your car to its original appearance.
- If your Saab needs some bodywork, call Auto Scandia in Herndon. NOTE: Our staff will wire your Saab to prevent the need for auto body replacement.
Cracked and Faded Trim: The Silent Exterior Killer
While a tired or cracked plastic trim may sound trivial, this detail can affect your Saab’s overall appearance. The trim includes many plastic moldings surrounding the windows, bumpers, and side skirts, especially the 9-3 and 9-5 Saab models. These pieces are susceptible to staining and cracking over time.
Why Do Plastic Moldings Deteriorate?
Saab typically coats the factory trim with a UV protectant, but that wears off, leaving the plastic brittle. When not taken care of, it cracks and breaks, making your automobile appear older than it is.
How We Restore Saab Trim
At Auto Scandia, we have different options available based on the type of damage:
- Trim Restoration—If your trim is just faded, we use the same restoration products to deepen the black color and add UV protection to prevent future fading.
- Plastic Welding & Repairs: We offer state-of-the-art plastic welding for cracked trim, repairing instead of replacing.
If you’ve seen your Saab’s trim show some age, don’t let it go until it’s beginning to crack. Our technicians can restore it to its former glory with expert repair and restoration.
Dents, Scratches, and Weather Damage: Common Saab Exterior Woes
No matter how careful you are, dents and scratches are inevitable. Exterior damage is always frustrating, whether a rogue shopping cart in the parking lot or a hailstorm rolling through Sterling, Reston, or Chantilly.
Why Dents and Scratches Appear on Saabs?
- Parking Lot Dings: The other drivers carelessly opening their doors or rolling their carts into your Saab can create unsightly dings.
- Hail and Debris: Passing storms in Great Falls and Oakton can cause minor dings in the hood, roof, or trunk.
- Road Debris: Pebbles, rocks, and other debris kicked up by cars passing by can chip your paint, which can cause rust to form.
How We Handle Saab Exterior Damage
At Auto Scandia, we have several repair methods to remove dents and scratches quickly and effectively:
- Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): For minor dents that haven’t cracked the paint, we’ll use specialized tools to massage the metal back into place gently—no repainting necessary.
- Scratch Buffing & Touch-Ups: Light scratches can often be polished out, while deeper scratches typically need touch-up paint.
- Complete Panel Repairs: For more significant damage, we can refinish the better of an affected panel to restore your Saab factory finish.
Neglecting minor dings and scratches can lead to more costly issues in the future. The best thing to do is bring your car to Auto Scandia in Herndon, and we will make sure it doesn’t get worse.
Restore Your Saab’s Exterior with Auto Scandia
Your Saab should look as good as it drives. 
Whether it’s dirty paint, cracked trim, or dings and scratches, our experienced professionals at Auto Scandia have seen it all and can address it. We are located in Herndon, V, A, and serve Sterling, Reston, Great Falls, Chantilly, Oakton, and the surrounding areas. We can help you achieve the best exterior repairs for your Saab.
If your Saab’s body needs some love, do not wait any longer. Bring your car to Auto Scandia today, and we will restore its beauty and value. Simply contact us through our shop contact number and set your appointment!