Misconceptions about safe, cost-effective auto body repair abound, especially with the prevalence of looking for help online. And it makes sense—who doesn’t want a cheap, easy fix for a major problem?
The problem with believing these collision repair myths is that they can do more harm than good. And you—and your family—are put at risk when you enter a vehicle going at high speeds that has been “fixed” in a questionable manner or not fixed at all. More than that, believing some of these collision repair myths can end up costing you a whole lot of money by either making a problem worse or needing another solution down the line.
There are all kinds of collision repair myths to address—from certain kinds of DIY repairs, to the integrity of new parts vs. used parts, to how much to trust online estimates. To save you money and keep you safe, we will debunk these myths here.
Myth #1: “DIY Repairs are Always Cheaper”
Unfortunately, this is not the case. DIY auto body repairs can be incredibly risk-prone and complex. Attempting a DIY repair without in-depth knowledge and experience with auto body repair could lead to improper repairs, which can put you and your family at risk of potential safety hazards or even further damage to your car. A good rule of thumb is try to avoid DIY repairs if the job requires lifting your vehicle, sanding paint or welding metal parts together. A wrong move while welding or grinding can cause sparks that ignite gasoline fumes and lead to fire or an explosion. These types of jobs are best left to certified professionals who are well-versed on safety protocols in order to protect you and those around you from any harm.
Some people choose DIY repairs out of financial concerns—but what they don’t realize is that attempting repairs yourself often comes with hidden costs: tools you may need once but not use again, additional parts that weren’t factored into the original budget estimate, rental fees for equipment that you do not own, and wasted time on projects that could have been completed faster by a certified technician. All of these, especially the time factor, can add up quickly and end up costing more money than taking it directly to a professional in the first place.
For minor fixes like replacing light bulbs or checking fluid levels, it’s ok to attempt a DIY repair—but when it comes to major automotive issues like auto body repair work, it’s generally safer and cheaper in the long run to seek out professional help.
Myth #2: “Insurance Will Cover All Auto Body Repairs”
Contrary to popular belief, insurance does not always cover all auto body repairs. Insurance coverage varies by type of damage and your policy—liability will only cover a certain amount. Other factors such as pre-existing damage or excluded parts can limit the amount of coverage you receive, so it’s important to understand exactly what is covered under your policy before filing any claims.
Additionally, some insurance companies are more willing to work with repair shops than others; if your insurance company doesn’t have an existing relationship with the repair shop then they may not be willing to reimburse you for the full cost of repairs. Furthermore, aftermarket parts may not be approved by some carriers; this means that the insurer may only pay for original manufacturer parts which can significantly increase the cost of repairs.
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your insurance coverage, here are some tips:
• Read through your policy in detail before filing any claims so you know exactly what is included and what is not covered
• Research and find a repair shop that has an existing relationship with your insurer to smooth out the claims process
• Ask your insurer whether they approve of aftermarket parts
• Understand that your deductible will still apply and you will need to pay that amount out of pocket before insurance coverage kicks in
Remember, not all auto body repairs are covered by your insurance policy, so it’s important to do your research and understand your coverage before making any claims.
Myth #3: “All Auto Body Shops Are the Same”
When in need of an auto body repair, it’s important to remember that not all auto body shops are the same. The quality of workmanship, expertise, and equipment can vary greatly between different repair shops; a reliable shop with experienced technicians and high-end tools can make all the difference when it comes to your vehicle repairs.
Take Shur-Way Auto for example. We have over 45 years of experience in automotive repairs. We repair the cars that we see as if they were our own and attend them with certified technicians trained to spray Spies Hecker Permahyd Hi-TEC Paint. With such high quality standards we guarantee that you’ll be completely satisfied with the end result—your car will look like new again!
Be wary of auto body repair shops that are not forthcoming with their credentials, that do not have a professional-looking shop, or that have not been in business very long. Your automobile is an investment of your time and energy, and it should be treated with care and importance!
Myth #4: “Paintless Dent Repair Can Fix Any Dent”
Paintless dent repair is a specialized technique that involves removing minor dents without causing any damage to the paint. While it’s a great technique to use for small repairs, it has its limitations.
The main limitation of paintless dent repair is that it can only be used on certain types of dents. It is most effective when used on shallow dents with no creases or folds. Unevenly shaped dents or ones located in awkward places may not be good candidates for this technique since the tool needs to fit snugly into the dent in order to push it out evenly.
In cases like this, traditional dent repair techniques are necessary; these involve filling and sanding areas affected by the dent and then painting over them once they have been made smooth. This process restores both cosmetic and structural integrity of your vehicle which cannot always be achieved through paintless repair alone.
At Shur-Way Auto we specialize in both traditional dent repair methods as well as paintless dent removal. We have the experience and expertise needed to assess each individual situation in order to determine which method of repair is best suited for your automobile.
Myth #5: “New Parts Are Always Better Than Used Parts”
When it comes to parts you have two main options: new or used. The choice between the two depends on several different factors such as availability, budget, and quality.
New parts are typically more expensive than used parts and can be harder to find due to the increasing demand for new cars. However, they do come with some distinct advantages. New parts offer extra protection from wear and tear and they’re often backed by a manufacturer’s warranty which helps ensure that you get the most out of them. Additionally, new parts are more reliable than used ones since their durability hasn’t been compromised in any way yet.
Used auto parts can be an economical option if they’re still in good condition and meet all safety standards; however, this isn’t always easy to verify. It’s important to purchase used parts from trusted sources—like Shur-Way Auto—in order to make sure that you’re getting quality products at low prices.
Used parts are also preferred should you need a part that has been discontinued or is no longer available from the manufacturer. Used car parts can also work well for restoration projects when authenticity matters more than durability or warranty coverage; for example, classic cars should have original-style replacement parts whenever possible.
When it comes to quality assurance, the best way to ensure used auto parts will perform safely and correctly is to either use genuine factory-approved recycled parts from a reputable dealership or order aftermarket copies from higher-end suppliers.
Myth #6: “A Small Dent or Scratch Doesn’t Require Immediate Repair”
This is another dangerous myth that must be dispelled. It’s important to address even minor damages promptly since neglecting small issues can lead to more significant problems down the line. Small scratches and dents may be easy to overlook at first, but when left untreated they can eventually lead to rust and corrosion due to exposure to the elements. Especially in an area with all four seasons like St. Louis, a small nick can quickly become filled with water which can be expanded with frost, over-exposed with heat, or rusted out before you know it.
It’s always best to have these issues professionally inspected and repaired as soon as possible in order prevent further damage. At Shur-Way Auto, we understand how quickly minor imperfections such as dents and scratches can add up; that’s why we recommend addressing these issues right away in order to help extend the life of your vehicle for many years to come.
Myth #7: “You Can Trust Online Repair Estimates Completely”
While online auto repair estimates can be a great starting point for learning more about the cost of a particular repair job, it is important to remember that these estimates are just estimates; the actual price may end up being higher or lower than the given estimate depending on a variety of factors.
For example, some parts or services may not have been included in the estimate due to lack of information at the time, and certain damages may only become visible during an in-person inspection. For this reason, it’s always best to get an in-person inspection and quote done by an expert before committing to any repairs.
Need a Collision Repair Expert You Can Trust? Come to Shur-Way Auto-Body
At Shur-Way Auto, we have been providing top-notch auto body repair services for generations. Our certified technicians use only the highest quality materials and take pride in delivering superior service to our customers.
So don’t hesitate; if you’re in need of an expertly crafted collision repair, visit Shur-Way Auto today! With our knowledgeable team of technicians, superior customer service and competitive prices, your car will be back on the road as good as new in no time.