No matter how hard you try to avoid accidents and protect your car, it is likely to get damaged by things you have no control over. Your car can be damaged by both the weather and other cars, whether it’s on the road or in a parking lot. Even though it’s annoying to find damage on your car, most dents, dings, and scratches are easy for a trusted auto body repair shop to fix.
After a collision, it is the responsibility of the auto body repairer to restore the car to factory standards and get it back on the road. Due to the fact that every accident is unique, the auto body repair shop must have professionals with the knowledge to analyze the vehicle’s damage and then involve a variety of machinery and tools, including welding skills, to execute the necessary repairs. To repair vehicles to a roadworthy condition, you must have a thorough understanding of the variety of metals, composites, and polymers utilized in their manufacturing.
Types of Car Damages:
1. Weather-related vehicle damage:
St. Louis experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. It’s common for the metro area to get a severe thunderstorm one day and snow the next. Any vehicle parked on the street or in the driveway is exposed to whatever weather event Mother Nature decides to pursue.
When a particularly intense hailstorm damages the paint job or surface of a vehicle, many owners are left wondering how to restore it to its original condition. For most hail damage, experienced auto body repair shops can use paintless dent repair (PDR). PDR involves qualified specialists utilizing metal rods of varying sizes and shapes to force each dent out of the vehicle’s surface from underneath.
2. High winds:
During severe winds, vehicles parked beneath trees or near structures are more likely to be struck by flying debris. Whether a branch or roof shingle strikes your vehicle, it is likely to sustain damage. If the winds are high enough, sand and dust can blow around and even strip away clear coat, or worse, paint. However, highly trained auto body specialists are able to evaluate and restore your vehicle.
3. Dents and Dings:
The terms “dents” and “dings” are sometimes used interchangeably, however, they refer to distinct auto body issues and repair techniques. For example, dings are minimal and do not chip the paint or reveal the frame of your vehicle. Dents, on the other hand, are more serious and can compromise the safety and structural integrity of your vehicle.
If another car’s door bumps into yours, it will cause a door ding. If left unrepaired, they have a negative impact on the resale value of a vehicle but do not affect its functionality. Dents lead to more problems, as they can cause rust on your vehicle’s metal. When mending minor dings, paintless dent repair (PDR) is the best case scenario, but badly dented sections may need to be replaced.
4. Car Paint Damage:
Hail or an automobile collision often causes paint damage, although rocks, road debris, and bird droppings can also scrape a vehicle’s surface. The paint on a vehicle consists of three layers, which are:
- Primer
- Paint
- Protective clear coat
Scratches that impact only the paint’s outermost layer are considered “cosmetic damage” and can typically be fixed by polishing and touch-up. However, deeper scrapes require greater care and a sense of urgency and you should take your vehicle to the nearest auto body repair shop. Your vehicle’s metal frame is vulnerable to dirt, water, salt, and other debris, which increases the danger of rust, if left untreated.
5. Collision damage:
Many rear-end collisions result in minor damage, such as a fractured bumper or shattered tail lights. Even if the damage does not appear to be severe, it is still in your best interest to take your vehicle to the nearest auto body collision repair shop for examination. Even the smallest fender-bender can cause underlying electrical issues or misalignment.
Additionally, the structure or unibody of your vehicle can be bent or damaged, posing severe safety problems. Ignoring or disregarding what appears to be minor bumper damage after a rear-end collision can lead to future complications. Timely identification and correction of damage requires the use of specialized tools and equipment by highly qualified professionals.
Similarly, front-end collisions can cause damage to a vehicle’s frame or cause misalignment. When the hood, bumper, grill, or headlights are cracked, dented, or deformed, it is imperative to treat the issues immediately. Since the majority of vehicle engines are positioned in the front, it is essential to ensure their functionality.
6. Windshield damage:
Windshield damage includes cracks, fissures, and shattering. Damaged windshields must be repaired or replaced by an expert before the costs escalate. The amount of damage determines whether a windshield may be repaired or should be replaced. A windshield replacement would likely be necessary for any crack or chip greater than three inches.
A trained specialist at an auto body repair shop can tell you the right course of action. If your windshield has to be replaced, a technician will remove the damaged glass and install a brand-new one. If a repair is all that is needed, a specialist will remove all the dust, inject a clear resin, and cure the solution prior to polishing.
After a collision, you should always evaluate the extent of the damage. The collision’s effects may not be immediately apparent, but sooner or later they will be. You can avoid these problems and inconveniences by getting your vehicle inspected by collision repair professionals to protect your safety and prevent future issues.