Top 5 Most Common Auto Body Repairs and How to Prevent Them

At some point, even the best drivers must have their cars repaired. Whether it’s scratches, dents, or something more extensive like a collision repair, auto body repairs can be costly and frustrating.

The good news is that you can take a few steps to prevent some of the most common auto body repairs.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

A skillfully performed PDR technique restores your car’s body panels without repainting. This method also eliminates harmful chemicals and reduces repair costs and wait times.

The technician manipulates metal panels back into their original shape using specialized tools. Depending on the type and location of the damage, PDR may require tapping, pulling, or a combination of techniques. The most common methods involve metal rods or body picks to push dents out from the underside and glue and specially designed tabs to pull them from outside the panel.

The shallower the ding or crease, the better it fits for PDR. However, this method cannot repair some dents, especially those with sharp edges or torn paint.

Body Panel Replacement

If your vehicle is severely damaged, it may be more cost-effective to replace the body panel rather than repair it. This can include doors, fenders, trunk lids, and even the bumper.

When a car is highly rusted, a complete quarter panel replacement may be best instead of making several small patches for the rust holes. This will save time and money and keep the restoration looking natural.

For this reason, it is essential to prioritize rust prevention by having the replacement panel media blasted or chemically dipped before painting. This will ensure the metal is impurities-free and can form a strong weld and a great primer/paint bond. It will also increase the longevity of your restoration. You can also prep the replacement panels by sanding the surface before welding.

Paint Restoration

The smooth surface of your car’s paintwork says a lot about the care you take for your vehicle. Various factors can damage it, including extreme weather, overuse of harsh detergents, and bird droppings.

Paint restoration is a standard auto body repair Denver Co provides to help owners keep their cars looking brand new. It can include things like touch-ups, sanding down, and repainting.

Paint damage is a leading cause of post-accident repairs. Left untreated, it can lead to rust and prematurely age your vehicle. The best way to avoid it is to park in a garage or covered area whenever possible.

Auto Glass Replacement

Your windshield is integral to your vehicle, providing a clear road view. However, it’s not immune to damage. Small chips in a windshield can quickly turn into cracks that require replacement.

Scratches are typical and can be repaired using several techniques, including paintless dent removal. However, it’s best to prevent them if you want to keep your car looking good for a long time.

Bumper repair and replacement is a standard auto body repair often necessary after a collision. It’s essential to have the bumper properly repaired so that it doesn’t interfere with the weight distribution of your vehicle. This may involve a frame straightening and the installation of new bumper components. Keeping your car’s front and back bumpers in good condition is an important safety measure.

Frame Repair

Whether your vehicle has suffered from a minor fender bender or a major accident, your frame is often the first thing to get damaged. This is because the vehicle frame is a crucial part of the car, supporting everything from the bumper to the engine and all the small and large parts in between.

The frame can be repaired, depending on the severity of the damage. Most modern cars have unibody frames, merging the body and frame into one piece. However, older vehicles may have a ladder frame or body-on-frame design.

These styles of frames can be sagged, twisted, or mash-damaged. These damages are difficult to diagnose and require a thorough professional inspection of the chassis. These damages can also make your car unsafe to drive, making it harder for other components to work correctly.