You can of course handle your own smash repairs after your car has been in an accident or collision of any kind, and if you're handy with tools and repairs, this can save you quite a bit of money. However, there are some common mistakes that many car owners make when handling these types of repairs on their own, and these mistakes can actually wind up costing you money in the long run. Note a few of those mistakes here so you can be sure to avoid them.

Not replacing a wheel with the same type of tire

If a tire has been damaged in an accident, you want to ensure you get the same type of tire as the rest on your car; at the very least, the two front tires should match and the two back tires should match. If the tires have different tread patterns, this can lead to one dragging or pulling away from the others on the car. In turn, you are putting added wear and tear on the steering column and tie rods, or the rods that connect the tires to the steering column. This can lead to costly repairs down the road, so ensure the tires all match or they're at least in pairs.

Not sanding down rusted areas

If you've put off smash repairs so long that rust has formed or a crash reveals rust on the underside of your car, you need to sand down that corrosion before you fill it with any type of filler and paint. That rust can flake or chip off, taking your filler and paint with it. Not sanding it down also allows it to spread underneath your new paint, which also causes more damage. Be sure you sand down any corroded areas before making repairs, or consider replacing a panel or door altogether if needed.

Not painting properly

Car spray paint needs a proper application to stay on evenly and to avoid drips and dribbles. You want to keep the spray can moving as you apply it; if this doesn't give you a thick enough coverage, wait for it to dry completely before applying another coat rather than continuously spraying over the same area. If you keep applying wet coat after wet coat, it may start to drip and it may take days to dry thoroughly, making it easy for the paint to collect dust or smudges if you were to drive your car while the paint is still wet.

For assistance with your smash repairs, talk to a professional.

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