Auto repair is a vital aspect of vehicle ownership. Whether your vehicle is in need of major repairs or routine maintenance, finding a quality shop with experienced technicians and fair prices is crucial.
Keep records of your own maintenance and review the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule before visiting a repair shop. This will help you understand the mechanic’s recommendations and prevent you from agreeing to unnecessary services.
Body Panel Replacement
Body panels are the assortment of large steel sections installed around your vehicle. They provide a solid covering for your car’s parts and systems and help protect passengers during collisions. If your body panel is damaged, it may make more sense to repair it than replace it.
Unlike repairing dents and other minor damages, restoring body panels requires special tools, techniques and safety precautions. To ensure the quality of your restoration, experts recommend following a few key tips for choosing the right panels, preventing rust and working with qualified professionals to complete your auto repair.
Replacing body panels can increase your resale value and improve the appearance of your vehicle. However, you should consider your options carefully before making the decision. Buying replacement panels that are made by the original manufacturer will offer precision fitment and better quality, but can be expensive. Other types of aftermarket panels are available and can be more affordable. Regardless of which type you choose, you should always test fit them before cutting and welding them to the vehicle.
Mechanical Repairs
Mechanics repair the parts that move and operate your vehicle. They can work on everything from the spark plugs that ignite your fuel air mixture to the transmission that moves your vehicle from one place to another. Their jobs can be very dirty, exposing them to particulate dust from sanding bodywork and potentially toxic chemical fumes when painting.
Auto mechanics need to keep up with the latest in car technology and engines. Some of them have to pass a series of tests in order to become certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
If you are thinking about becoming an auto mechanic, be sure to learn as much as you can about how your automobile works. Having basic knowledge of your vehicle will help you spot problems sooner, so that you can avoid them at the auto shop. Also, know your consumer rights when it comes to billing, warranties and repairs. Always get a written estimate before allowing anyone to start working on your vehicle, and document all conversations about repairs with dates, times and names.
Paint Repairs
Paint Repairs
Whether you want to maintain your vehicle’s appearance or increase its resale value, a quality paint job is critical. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to avoid getting paint chips and scratches, especially if you live in a busy area or have an inconsiderate driver. Using touch up paint and kits to fix these minor damages is tempting, but it may not be as durable or look as good as the original paint job.
A professional shop uses high-quality materials and has a guarantee to ensure the repaired panel looks and functions as it did when it rolled off the showroom floor. They also use a computer system to match the paint color to your vehicle’s original color, eliminating noticeable color discrepancies.
The location and severity of the damaged paint will also impact how much it costs to repair. A small scratch that affects only the clear coat layer will probably cost less to fix than a deep scratch that reveals bare metal.
Insurance Estimates
Getting an insurance estimate for your car repairs isn’t always easy. It’s important to get several independent estimates for the repair work you need, and to be sure that the total amount will cover the cost of all necessary repairs. If you think the insurance company’s inspection or estimate doesn’t accurately reflect the true costs of repairing your vehicle, you can dispute it. In most states, insurance companies can’t force you to go to a specific shop, but you can ask them to reconsider their estimate or offer an alternate inspection or appraisal process.
Most reputable auto repair shops will provide you with a detailed, written estimate before starting any work. They’ll also tell you if additional damage is found that may require supplementation to the original estimate. The initial payment receipt will clearly explain that the shop will contact the insurance company to obtain approval for any supplemental charges before they proceed with the work.