Auto body repair is a process that includes an array of techniques for fixing vehicles. They range from the simple to the fairly aggressive, and it's a good idea for customers to understand what each solution is. Here are four of the most common ways that auto body repair services providers might handle your vehicle's issues.
Filler
One of the simplest repairs is putting materials into a dent, letting it set up, and then sanding it smooth. A technician will then have to prime and paint over the filler. Generally, this solution is reserved for damage that can't be fixed by other means. It also is sometimes used in conjunction with mesh to fill in sections that are rusted out.
Popping or Pounding a Dent Out
The idea here is simply to fix a dent by putting the body back the way it was. This works best for smaller damaged areas. In some cases, a suction cup tool can be used to pop the dent out with minimal trouble. Other times, a small hole has to be tapped to pull it out, and a few cases may require hammering the body from the inside.
Replacing Body Sections
Another common way to fix the damage is to remove the affected section and get a replacement part. Many businesses use OEM parts, but it's also not uncommon to use parts from salvage yards. With cars that are older, manufacturers may no longer produce or license replacement components.
This approach is often used when several areas are damaged. For example, a car might have damage on the corner panel alongside damage to a blinker light and headlight. Generally, a technician has to remove damaged plastic and metal, clean up the area, and then insert all of the new components.
Rubbing Compound
Scratches happen, but a tech can often handle them with chemicals. Rubbing compound is the typical solution. This causes the paint around the affected spot to smooth out and fills the scratch. Sometimes the location has to be treated with a new layer of clear coat to prevent weathering. You might be surprised, too, to see just how big and deep of scratches can be treated this way.
A Quick Note on Frame Damage
When an auto body repair technician sees extensive damage, especially from a wreck, they will check the vehicle's frame. If the frame has suffered serious damage, it has to be fixed before other work can proceed because frame problems are major safety issues.
When your vehicle starts to experience problems, you never know what you could come up against. From car fires to sudden motor problems, you could be faced with serious automotive concerns that strike when you are least expecting it. Fortunately, by knowing what to look for and how to prevent future issues, you could prevent problems and know how to squash issues soon. This blog is completely committed to helping others to find the right auto service for their car, since it can really help to prevent problems down the road. Check out these tips for how to find appropriate service before you know it.