Repair: Why DIY Isn’t Always Best
DIY auto collision repair is tempting, especially when YouTube tutorials compel you to channel your inner Bob the Builder and fix it yourself. Unless you’re a professional mechanic, you’re better off leaving auto collision repair to the experts.
If you’re still unconvinced, take a closer look at the benefits of professional auto collision repair over DIY.
- Quality of Workmanship
Say you were involved in a minor rear-end collision while driving on the highway, causing a large dent in your car’s rear bumper. Attempting DIY repairs may be dangerous and potentially hazardous to your safety. You risk damaging other parts of your car since you lack the proper knowledge of repair techniques.
Professional auto collision repair technicians are trained and certified to handle repairs using proper methods like metalworking, welding, and painting to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident state. Additionally, their shops have strict quality control protocols to ensure the highest standards in every repair, from pre-repair inspections to post-repair testing.
- Use of Specialized Equipment and Tools
Professional auto collision repair shops invest in state-of-the-art equipment and tools specifically for vehicle repair and maintenance. These tools are not only expensive, but they also require specialized knowledge and training to use correctly.
For example, a frame straightening machine is a specialized equipment used to restore a car’s frame to its original shape after an accident. It uses hydraulics to apply pressure to the frame in specific areas, allowing the technician to revamp it to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Auto collision repair technicians are trained to use specialized tools and machines to service vehicles accurately and efficiently. In contrast, DIY repairs may involve using unsuitable tools for auto collision repair, producing ineffective results. For example, using a regular hammer to straighten a dented panel may cause more damage, and the repair may be inaccurate compared to using specialized equipment.
- Access to OEM Parts
Manufacturers produce Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts as spares to the original parts that came with your vehicle, while other companies create aftermarket parts. These off-brand spare parts are usually less expensive than the original, but they aren’t made to the same exact specifications and may not fit or function.
Auto collision repair shops can access OEM parts, ensuring they repair your vehicle with high-quality, fitting parts and maintain the car’s integrity. They have deep connections with manufacturers and distributors, allowing them to order the right parts quickly and efficiently.
Additionally, OEM parts come with comprehensive and reliable manufacturer warranties, giving you added peace of mind. Using non-OEM parts may compromise your car’s safety and performance since they don’t fit well. This can create issues like leaks or decreased fuel efficiency, sometimes leading to breakdowns. Using non-OEM parts may even void your vehicle’s warranty or insurance cover in accidents.
- Compliance With Safety Standards and Regulations
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has set safety standards and regulations to ensure mechanics handle auto collision repairs correctly and that the vehicle is safe to operate. Auto repair shops must comply with these standards and laws to maintain their license and certification. Non-compliance may also result in potential liability issues for the shop, as they can be held responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from improper repairs.
DIY auto collision repair often doesn’t comply with standards and regulations, risking the safety of the drivers and passengers. Inexperienced DIYers may lack the knowledge or training to assess and repair collision damage properly, resulting in weakened structural components, compromised safety systems, and even vehicle malfunctions that can cause accidents.
- Warranty and Insurance Coverage
Auto repair shops offer warranties for their services, ensuring that if anything goes wrong with the repairs, they’ll fix it at no extra cost. Similarly, most insurance policies cover repair costs after an accident. However, the extent of coverage depends on the policy type and the insurance provider. Professional repair services collaborate with insurance companies to ensure their clients get the most coverage possible for repairs.
On the other hand, DIY repairs don’t offer any warranties, leaving the car owner liable for any issues arising after servicing. Likewise, insurance policies don’t cover DIY repairs, and if something goes wrong or the car is involved in another accident, the coverage might be revoked.
- Resale Value Preservation
Any accident, no matter how minor, can significantly reduce your car’s value if the repairs are done inefficiently. That’s where professional auto collision repair comes into play. These shops understand the importance of using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and following manufacturer-recommended repair procedures to restore your car to its pre-accident condition.
On the other hand, DIY repairs can decrease your car’s resale value because they’re performed without the proper knowledge, experience, and tools.
For example, say you were involved in a rear-end collision that damaged your rear bumper. You decided to repair it yourself using aftermarket parts and creative repair procedures, resulting in a bumper that doesn’t fit correctly and isn’t painted to match the rest of the vehicle. When you decide to sell the car, the buyer may notice the subpar repair job and likely offer a lower price. Alternatively, if you choose to use auto collision repair services, the shop can provide professional restoration services like auto paint repair for the entire vehicle, preserving its resale value.
- Environmental Responsibility
Auto collision repairs can significantly impact the environment, from producing replacement parts to disposing of damaged parts and hazardous materials. Professional repair shops today are committed to implementing practices that prioritize sustainability, like using eco-friendly waterborne paints and recycled parts. They also have waste management systems to properly dispose of hazardous materials, such as engine fluids and batteries,
On the other hand, DIY repairs may have negative environmental impacts. For example, imagine you’re replacing a leaking battery, and the chemicals seep into the ground. The toxins can contaminate the soil or even find their way into a nearby water source, destroying the ecosystem and its inhabitants. Similarly, storing the battery in your garage is improper disposal, and the chemicals may eventually leak, creating a toxic atmosphere and possibly starting a fire.
Paint It Perfect
In light of the risks of untrained repairs, you should always seek the services of a professional auto collision repair shop like Flawless Auto Paint Repair Inc. With their services, including bumper, frame, and auto paint repairs, you can trust that your vehicle will receive the attention and care it deserves. Don’t risk your safety and passengers by attempting mediocre DIY repairs just so you can try saving a few pennies. Contact Flawless Auto Paint Repair Inc. today and get back on the road safely and confidently!
