Owning a car is a matter of pride, but it is a responsibility as well. Since your vehicle is on the road, there are chances that you may face collisions and dents at one point or another. Periodic repair is a necessity for car owners. At the same time, regular maintenance for your vehicle is also something that you cannot ignore. When it comes to repairs, there are various reasons why you may have to take your vehicle to an auto body shop.
Further, the repair requirements and costs may vary from situation to situation. It is wise to be well-informed so that you know what to expect in terms of recommended repair services and their costs. Here are some common body shop repairs that every car owner should know about.
Collision repair
Collisions are common and happen all the time. While you cannot ignore major damages, it is often to brush off less visible ones. You may be tempted to ignore the cosmetic needs, in particular, just to save some time and money. However, collision repair is of utmost importance because it may involve multiple fixes.
Moreover, it can impact the life and value of the vehicle in the long run. So it is vital to have your car examined by experts at an auto body repair shop so that they can assess the damage and advise the right way to handle it. The good news is that repairs in case of a collision are often covered by insurance, so you should get the damage checked out without second thoughts. Moreover, it is advisable even if the car looks fine on the exterior because there could be problems inside.
Bumper repair
Another common reason why you may have to visit an auto body repair shop is bumper repair. This is because bumper damage is more common than you think, with more accidents involving rear-ending. Fortunately, this kind of damage is easy to address, and replacement is needed only when the damage is beyond repair. Often, damage can be handled just like repairing any other dent. A cracked bumper, however, requires body filler along with a paint job to reseal it. An expert job can resolve the problem completely and leave your car looking as good as new.
Dent removal
Perhaps, the most common problem that car owners bring to auto body shops is dents. Accidents, collisions and weather damage may cause these, but definitely require quick repair because they can be quite visible. Experts at Dent Busters suggest that you should never try a DIY job with dent removal, however easy and tempting it may sound. While you may save a few dollars by skipping a professional job, the results could be really bad. In fact, you may end up spending more because of paint damage. The best approach would be to take your car to a body shop. The best part is that a paintless dent repair job is something that will resolve the issue in most cases. So you will end up with amazing results, without spending a whole lot of time and money on the process.
Scratch removal
Scratches are as common as dents, but they can make your vehicle look old and unsightly. This is a reason why car owners visit body shops for scratch removal on a regular basis. Small scratches are easy to buff up and take no time. However, larger ones may need filler and paint for sealing the depression on the vehicle’s surface. Again, you should not rely on DIY for the job but rather have an experienced professional doing it for the best results. The best place to have it done is at a body shop because they will ensure a perfect job, down to a flawless finish and a perfect colour match.
Auto body painting
Vehicle owners who want a shiny new finish for their car can take it to a body shop for a complete makeover. Rather than being only a cosmetic process, this is a service that protects the exterior of the vehicle from weathering. You may need a paint job to counter the impact of direct damage, such as a deep scratch or an accident. You may think that the damage is purely cosmetic, but chips and scratches can expose the exterior to increased paint cracking, damage and rust issues. Obviously, this is the last thing that you will want to happen. For this reason, a quick visit to an auto body shop makes sense. However, when you do opt for body painting service, ensure that the provider you choose prioritizes colour matching to deliver the best finish.
Frame realignment
You may fail to notice the need for frame realignment, simply because it is not immediately visible. However, it is extremely important for your car’s safety and health. Immediate action is warranted if you feel that the vehicle pulls to the left or right or feels shaky while driving. A-frame realignment service is also recommended if your car has been involved in a collision or accident. While you may think that frame repair is a mechanic’s job, it is actually a part of auto shop repairs. If you notice any symptoms, take your vehicle for a check sooner rather than later because risky driving is an invitation to danger.
When it comes to an understanding of the difference between mechanical repairs and auto body shop repairs, it is hard to come up with an easy answer to distinguish them. Basically, mechanics repair and replace the internal parts of the vehicles such as brakes and engines. Conversely, body shops address the issues related to the external parts, such as dents and scratches and repairs of the bumper, headlights, and windows. The key lies in knowing exactly the specific problems that you are facing and taking your vehicle to the right professional accordingly. Since the value, appearance, and safety of your car depends on the quality of repairs it gets, it is best to choose only the professionals with the right skills, knowledge, and experience.
