Your car is covered in sturdy panels that are designed to keep you safe as you drive. But, over time, these areas can get damaged. This post will explore more about what could ruin these components and how a professional fixes them.
What Damages Car Body Panels?
Many things can damage your car’s body panels. Some of these include:
- Car accidents
- Severe weather
- Poor maintenance
- Shopping carts
How Autobody Shops Repair Car Body Panels
A technician will first inspect the affected areas to see how severe the damage is. Once this is done, they’ll gather the required tools. This could include hammers, metal rods, and sanders. They’ll then get to work repairing the damaged area. For instance, if there’s a dent on a fender, an expert will gently tap on the area to push the metal back out. They might then add rods or fillers to ensure it stays steady.
Most of the time, this process will only take about an hour or so depending on how bad the damage is. But, if more work must be done (especially if the damage is over a large are), it could take a day or two. Once the panel has been repaired, the entire panel will need to be color matched and painted.
3 Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle’s Body Panels
Watch for Road Hazards: Sometimes these sections can get ruined because of various road hazards, like potholes and gravel. If your car hits these areas, it can scratch the paint job and even dent it. Because of this, make sure to avoid these risks as much as possible.
Keep it Clean: You’ll also want to ensure that your vehicle stays spotless. This won’t only enhance your car’s looks but can prevent debris and rust from ruining the panels. To do so, simply take a clean cloth and wipe it over the exterior. Make sure to also get into the tires where moisture and dirt can hide and splash onto the fender and bumper.
Remove Rust: If you notice rust bubbles, make sure to have them repaired as soon as possible. The longer the rust lingers, the more likely it will corrode the area around it. This will lead to strutual issue with the panel and increase the cost of the repair.
Keeping your car in good condition is important. If you’d like to have a professional check out damaged vehicle , stop by Downtown Autobody in Rohnert Park. We’ll be happy to inspect and fix any issues that might be of concern.