Accidents happen, and when they do, they can leave your vehicle with anything from minor scratches to major structural damage. Understanding the most common types of collision damage and how they’re repaired can help you know what to expect when taking your car to a body shop.
How to Fix Common Types of Collision Damage
Here are some of the most common types of collision damage and how a collision shop Waterford fix them.
- Dents and Dings
How It Happens:
Dents and dings are among the most common types of collision damage. They can result from minor fender benders, parking lot mishaps, or even stray shopping carts.
How It’s Repaired:
- Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): If the paint is intact and the dent is small, PDR can be used to gently massage the metal back into place.
- Traditional Dent Repair: If the dent has cracked paint or is too deep for PDR, body fillers and repainting may be required.
- Bumper Damage
How It Happens:
Bumpers are designed to absorb impact, but they can still sustain damage in low-speed crashes. Common issues include cracks, dents, or misalignment.
How It’s Repaired:
- Minor Scratches or Dents: Heat treatment or PDR can be used to restore the shape.
- Severe Damage: If the bumper is cracked or severely bent, it often needs to be replaced entirely.
- Scratches and Paint Damage
How It Happens:
Paint damage can occur from collisions, scraping against objects, or debris hitting the car at high speeds. Even minor paint damage can lead to rust if left untreated.
How It’s Repaired:
- Buffing and Polishing: Light scratches can often be removed by buffing and polishing the surface.
- Touch-Up Paint: Small scratches can be filled in with touch-up paint.
- Full Repainting: Deeper scratches may require sanding, priming, and repainting the affected area to restore the car’s finish.
- Frame Damage
How It Happens:
Frame damage occurs in more serious collisions, especially high-speed impacts or crashes that involve a direct hit to the vehicle’s structure. If the frame is bent, it can affect how the car drives and its overall safety.
How It’s Repaired:
- Frame Straightening: Technicians use hydraulic machines to pull the frame back into alignment.
- Sectional Replacement: If a part of the frame is too damaged, it may need to be cut out and replaced.
- Glass and Windshield Damage
How It Happens:
Windshields and windows can crack or shatter from direct impact during a collision. Even small chips can spread over time, making them a safety hazard.
How It’s Repaired:
- Chip Repair: Small cracks or chips can be filled with resin to prevent them from spreading.
- Glass Replacement: If the damage is extensive, the entire windshield or window may need to be replaced.
Conclusion: How to Fix Common Types of Collision Damage
Collision damage comes in many forms, from minor scratches to major frame issues. The repair process depends on the extent of the damage, but modern auto body shops have the tools and expertise to restore your vehicle to its original condition. If you’ve been in an accident, getting a professional inspection will help you determine what repairs are needed and ensure your car is safe to drive again.
Recent Comments