The exterior body panels of vehicles can be damaged during minor or major auto accidents. Accidental impact from external objects can also cause dents, bumps and general irregularities. It is important to commission immediate repair from a qualified panel beater when your vehicle experiences this type of damage. This will ensure that the damage is controlled before acceleration. For example, a scratched dent can lead to rusting of the body panels. In addition, a vehicle that is in good condition attracts lower insurance premiums. On the other hand, it is critical to note that the cost of body panel repair can be high. Here are simple guidelines to help you reduce the cumulative expenses of engaging a panel beater.

Consider Paintless Dent Removal

You should consult your panel beater on the possibility of using paintless dent removal when repairing your vehicle. This is a technique that involves removing minor panel dents without messing up the paintwork or using body filler. Basically, the technician will use metal rods or even body picks to straighten the dents. The pressure is applied on the underside of the panels to avoid leaving scratches. In some cases, the dents may be pulled from the exterior parts with special tools. The reduced work required in paintless dent removal will translate into lower repair charges. Unfortunately, this technique is only suitable for aluminium and steel bodies. Moreover, it is not a useful technique for deep or large dents.

Choose Used Parts

If your vehicle's body is severely damaged, you will require replacement parts such as panels. It is important to choose quality products that will provide optimal and long-term service. However, you should also consider the total expenses of different auto body products. Ideally, you should purchase original equipment from the manufacturer, but the cost is high. You can make significant savings by choosing components from used cars. Most panel beaters will have access to this type of products, so you should inquire during the initial assessment of your vehicle. You should also note that there are aftermarket auto body components in the market. However, the fit can be poor, causing accelerated failure after repair.

Perform Home Repair

You can perform minor auto body repair if the damage is not extensive. For instance, scratches and chips from light impact or general environmental situations can be resolved fairly easily. Generally, you will need to clean the affected areas with soapy water and sand with a fine grit paper. The surface will be restored after applying touch-up paint and rubbing compounds.

For more information, contact a local auto repair shop like Northside Smash Repairs. 

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