When it comes to auto repair, there are many choices. This is probably what most folks refer to when they speak of auto repair shops, and perhaps the most common kind of shop. Sometimes called an auto body shop, an auto repair shop is typically a spot where somebody repairs vehicles on their own. They’re the go-to ones to go when you require that new squeal coming from your car, and also where you receive that familiar yet unfamiliar noise that your car produces periodically diagnosed.
There are two kinds of repairs most auto body shops undertake: primary repairs and collision repairs. Primary repairs include such tasks as cleaning up oil spills, changing air filters, applying window tint, etc. If you were to do all of these things yourself, you could save some money, but in the event that something serious does happen, you won’t be the only one effected. Secondary repairs, such as those to your vehicle’s body panels or to its tires can be very dangerous if improperly done, so always seek an estimate from a skilled technician before attempting repairs.
The primary purpose of a collision repair shop is to perform preventative maintenance to your vehicle, like oil changes, tire rotations, alignment, etc. They should also be able to do some repairs to your vehicle in the event an accident ever happens. However, an auto body shop can only do so much! There are a number of different kinds of repairs that are covered by your auto insurance policy, and the best way to find out exactly what kind of coverage your insurer offers for a given repair is to contact your insurance agent.
Some of the repairs that your auto body shop can do are minor, such as washing the interior and exterior of your vehicle. There may be some additional tasks beyond washing, such as painting your vehicle. It is important, however, that the paint job to match the actual paint of your vehicle. If they don’t match, you could have a problem, not only with the look of your vehicle, but also with the safety of it. In this case, you may want to contact your insurance company to find out if the repairs to your vehicle qualify it for collision coverage.
Another important thing to check into before calling your insurance company is what kind of reputation your mechanic has. Has he or she been in the business long enough to build up a trustworthy client base? Are there any complaints filed against the shop? If so, how long were they able to resolve them? It’s also a good idea to ask the people at the shop if they offer after-work car care, as this can make a big difference in the type of service you receive once your vehicle is repaired.
Other things to check into before bringing your vehicle to Body Shop A includes things such as whether or not they replace damaged paint panels when necessary. They should also offer repairs on the frame of the vehicle. If the frame of the car has already been repaired, they should offer repairs to the frame as well. On larger repair jobs, such as door repairs, they should also be able to replace large metal parts, such as the chassis. It’s also a good idea to find out whether or not the shop uses original replacement parts, or if they purchase stock components.
When choosing the best place for car repair in your area, the first thing to look at are the mechanics themselves. If you see employees who are in a hurry, who seem to be working on something without much thought, or who are rude to you, your best bet is going to be to head for the independent shops. Not only will you be assured of a high level of customer service, but you will be assured that your vehicle will be repaired properly the first time around. Many independent car repair shops also offer warranties on their work, which can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Finally, when it comes to the mechanic itself, you want to make sure that he is insured, and that his license is valid in your state. Many times, mechanics aren’t insured, so they aren’t allowed to work on major repairs unless an insurance claim is filed with your insurance company. Insurance companies don’t pay for minor repairs either. That’s why it’s important to choose shops with a good reputation and a history of quality work, to ensure that the repairs being done are actually covered by the policy. Good luck with finding the right Auto Repair facility for your vehicle!