Whether you’ve been involved in a minor fender bender or major collision, understanding how auto body shops work can help make the repair process less stressful. We’ll walk you through the basics of what an auto body shop does, from assessment to estimating to repairs.
Some parts are more than cosmetic damage. Auto body technicians are skilled at welding to repair structural issues, including the frame. Contact Juanito’s Auto Body now!
The first step in auto body repair involves inspecting and assessing the vehicle’s damage. This includes the apparent cosmetic issues such as scratches and dents, but also the underlying structural damage that could compromise safety. Reputable collision centers are skilled at addressing both, ensuring that the vehicle leaves the shop looking good as new and performing to its original specifications.
Once the initial assessment is complete, the shop will proceed with the actual repairs. This is often the most time-consuming part of the process, as it will require the removal and replacement of damaged parts. Depending on the extent of the damage, the shop may also need to disassemble parts of the vehicle. This is typically done to provide better access to hard-to-reach areas or in cases where the vehicle’s structure has been compromised.
When the structural integrity of the vehicle is in question, a trained technician will use advanced techniques and equipment to reshape or straighten the frame as necessary. This is called structural repair and it’s a vital aspect of the entire auto body repair process. If the frame isn’t properly straightened, it will impact the alignment of the mechanical components and can cause other problems down the road.
Another important step is to restore the exterior of the vehicle. This involves buffing out scratches, pulling out dents and applying fillers to damaged areas. This work can be done using traditional hand tools or advanced machinery. In addition to repairing damaged surfaces, a skilled auto body technician will prepare the surface for paint by sanding and priming it.
During an auto body repair course, students will learn about the various aspects of this work, including how to use tools and machines for basic repairs. They will also learn how to determine whether something can be repaired or must be replaced, and the best methods for preparing surfaces for painting. They will also practice a variety of techniques, including spray painting and airbrushing.
Many shops offer rental car services to customers while their vehicles are being repaired. This can be a lifesaver, particularly when the repair time is extended. However, it’s important to check with each individual shop to find out their policy on this issue.
Body Panels
Body panels are an assortment of large, uniquely shaped steel sections that not only provide a solid mount and covering for a vehicle’s systems, but also protect passengers from elements and during collisions. Whether the result of an accident or normal wear and tear, body panels can be compromised, compromising the car’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Depending on how a body panel is designed, it can either absorb or transmit noise from the vehicle’s interior and exterior. This is due to the resonant path that body panel vibrations take when they radiate in the structure-borne range of noise frequencies. Managing the resonances of an automotive body panel is achieved by reducing rigid or forced vibration. This is done by addressing the upstream areas of the panel (i.e. panel attachments) and by modifying the overall panel stiffness via mass, stiffness or damping treatments.
An important factor in a body panel’s ability to reduce noise is its material. There are two common materials for body panels, cold rolled steel and hot rolled steel. The difference is that cold rolled steel has tighter tolerances, smoother surfaces and a cleaner finish than hot rolled steel, which is rolled while still hot and has a lot of slag left on it.
The wheel arch panel, also known as a fender, is curved above the tire and protects the vehicle from water, dirt and debris thrown from the road or other vehicles. These are the panels that often get damaged during parking lot fender benders and rear-end traffic accidents. The quarter panels, located between the trunk and back door of the vehicle, are another common source of damage to a car’s frame and body due to impacted debris from a crash or road accident.
The firewall is a protective panel wall that separates the engine from the passenger compartment. It is the first thing to hit in a front-end or rear-end collision, and it disperses the energy of an impact throughout the entire body, protecting the passengers. Firewalls are also commonly used on buses and delivery vans.
Paint
A new paint job isn’t just about making a car look shiny and beautiful. It also protects the metal components, prevents rust and helps maintain a car’s resale value. It acts as a sealant that keeps out debris, dirt, salt and the elements to make your vehicle last longer.
The first step in a good paint job is masking, which is protecting parts of the car that won’t be painted. This can be done using a variety of materials, including tape. Foam masking that fits into crevices and gaps is useful for this, as is specialized tape that can be used around rubber trim to avoid paint bridging. Tape that has been lightly sanded is also good for this, as it will create an even surface for the paint to adhere to.
Modern body shops often use waterborne paint, which has a lower volatile organic compound (VOC) level than traditional solvent-based paints. This is better for the environment and for shop workers’ health, as it doesn’t release harmful VOCs into the air while drying.
A primer is applied next, and this provides a smooth surface for the base coat to adhere to. It is normally tinted the same color as the base coat, which cuts down on the number of layers needed and helps with consistency.
Once the primer is dry, the paint can be applied in thin coats, allowing each one to dry before applying the next. This ensures a consistent color and even coverage, and it also allows for any imperfections to be corrected before the final coat is added.
Finally, a clear coat is added to give the car a glossy finish and protect the paint from the elements. The clear coat may be tinted to match the base coat or a lighter shade of the car’s original color.
Auto painting is a satisfying career choice for those who enjoy working with their hands and seeing the results of their efforts. It’s also a great option for those who want to be creative, especially when it comes to custom paint jobs and unique designs. With additional training, experienced painters can move up into supervisory roles in the industry and become shop foreman or managers.
Frame
While hidden from view, the frame of your car is a crucial element in its strength and safety. Also known as the chassis, a vehicle’s frame supports the engine and mechanical components while ensuring structural integrity for occupant protection in a crash. The frame also withstands forces from turning, acceleration, and braking, channeling them evenly to maintain composed handling.
Cars are constructed with either a body-on-frame or unibody frame, with the former being the standard in most modern vehicles and the latter typically used by pickup trucks and larger SUVs. In general, frames are made of a combination of steel, aluminum, and other metals. The body, doors, trunk, and hood are attached to the frame with bolts or welds. The body is then painted or sprayed with protective coatings.
Most vehicle accidents cause some type of damage to the frame, and while many minor frame-related issues are easy to correct (such as slight dents that don’t affect critical areas), more severe damage will require a professional inspection and repair. The experienced technicians at a licensed auto body shop can accurately assess the extent of damage to the frame, which is often impossible to see without the aid of advanced technology and tools.
In most cases, the extent of frame damage will determine if your insurance company considers the vehicle a total loss or if it is feasible to restore it to a fully functional, safe structure. It isn’t a good idea to attempt a DIY repair to major frame damage, as it will likely cost more than the value of your vehicle and could make it unsafe to drive.
When you bring your damaged vehicle to a trusted repair shop, the technician will use special equipment to test for structural integrity. If the frame is deemed unrepairable, your insurance provider will typically declare the vehicle a total loss and issue you with a salvage title. You’ll then be able to use your vehicle for salvage or to purchase and rebuild a replacement frame from an automotive recycler. If your vehicle is considered a total loss, you can consult your insurance carrier for guidance on the process of filing a claim.