Even minor collision damage can have a profound impact on your vehicle. Not only does it reduce the car’s value to prospective buyers, but if left unattended, it can lead to rust and other costly problems.
Aesthetics
Whether you’re a die-hard automotive enthusiast, your vehicle must be in good working order to run properly. But many people overlook the importance of having their car’s body in good condition.
Auto body shops are a necessary part of any well-maintained vehicle. These shops specialize in cosmetic and structural repairs. They are the ones who fix things like damaged windshields, windows, doors, fenders, and bumpers. They also inspect and repair the vehicle’s frame to ensure it is in good condition and has not been compromised in a crash or other accident.
They also take care of stains caused by acid rain, which damages the paint and corrodes metal parts. In addition, they can make the vehicle look new again and preserve its resale value.
Safety
Many people assume auto body repair is simply about fixing your car after a collision or accident, but it also addresses other structural problems that affect your vehicle’s safety. For example, a car frame that is not aligned properly can cause your vehicle to shake or pull to the left or right while driving, which is dangerous for you and other drivers.
A skilled auto body technician uses extensive tools and techniques to restore your car’s frame and mechanical components to factory-like conditions. This process requires attention to detail and manual dexterity, as technicians use laser frame diagnostic systems, frame machines, and welding skills to shape your car’s metal components.
Auto body workers face a variety of physical and chemical hazards in the workplace. For example, they are exposed to volatile organic compounds from paints and fillers; polyisocyanates, hexavalent chromium, and silica from spray painting operations; and toxic fumes when using chemicals for etching and rust removal. They are also at risk for repetitive motion disorders.
Value
A trained auto body technician knows that it’s essential to auto body repair Denver CO the frame of your car to its pre-accident state. Aside from repairing dents and dings, they use laser frame diagnostic systems and frame machines to shape your vehicle to its original condition.
Graduates of auto body school can also see more significant problems that may lurk beneath what appears to be minor damage. They can spot issues like water being able to access the internal structure of your vehicle, which could lead to corrosion and other severe issues down the line.
Regarding resale value, even the smallest dents can negatively impact your vehicle’s overall worth. Buyers will be likelier to ask for a lower price if you have dings and scratches that make the vehicle look older and used. To protect your resale value, it’s best to get a repair done as soon as possible.
Time
Auto body repairers must use various skills to perform their jobs. They need attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and manual dexterity to paint vehicles and repair damage properly.
Many factors can influence the time it takes to complete auto body repairs. For example, a vehicle’s year, make, and model may require less readily available parts than newer or more common models. These parts can take longer because of supply chain issues and higher shipping costs.
Another factor is the type of work that needs to be done. A more detailed repair job will require more time to finish. This is because each step—bodywork, frame repair, mechanical repairs, and paint work—is usually done by different technicians. This can cause delays if the technician is already working on another car. In addition, the vehicle must undergo a safety inspection and certification before being registered again.