Should I DIY Auto Body Repair?

Auto body repair can seem easy enough, and it may be tempting to undertake your own auto body repairs as a cost-saving measure. However, doing so can result in costly mistakes that can damage your vehicle even further.

Whether repairing a scratch, fixing a dent, or replacing a panel, auto body repair requires specialised skills, tools, and techniques. Below we’ve gathered some reasons why you should send your vehicle to an auto body repair specialist instead of turning to DIY repairs.

Auto Body Repairs are Complex Procedures

Repairing auto body damage can be a complex procedure that requires special equipment and extensive knowledge. Auto body repair specialists will have the necessary tools and expertise to assess the damage and be able to determine the best course of action.

They are familiar with different materials, tools, and techniques to handle problems accurately and efficiently. In addition, they have access to all the specialised equipment necessary to repair and restore various types of vehicles. When you attempt repairs without the proper equipment or experience, you can cause further damage to your vehicle that may be even more costly to fix in the long run.

Compromise Vehicle Integrity

Another reason to avoid DIY auto body repair is the possibility of compromising the structural integrity of your vehicle. A small dent or scratch may seem like a minor issue, but it can actually affect the overall safety of the vehicle.

For instance, if a dent is not properly repaired, it can cause the paint to crack or peel, leading to rust and corrosion. An auto body repair specialist will be able to assess the damage and ensure that the integrity of your vehicle’s structure hasn’t been compromised.

Impact Resale Value

DIY repairs can significantly impact a car’s resale value. When a potential buyer inspects a used car, they will look for signs of wear and tear, damage, and repairs. Any visible damage or repairs can make a buyer suspicious and make them question the car’s overall condition and reliability.

Attempting to carry out auto body repairs without the proper knowledge can result in substandard work, leaving visible blemishes, mismatched paint colours, uneven panel alignment, or improperly repaired body panels. These issues can decrease your vehicle’s resale value and make it less appealing.

Safety Hazards

DIY auto body repairs can make your vehicle a safety hazard in several ways:

• Structural integrity: Your vehicle can become less safe in an accident if repairs are not done correctly. The body may not provide adequate protection to passengers, resulting in serious bodily harm or even death.
• Malfunctioning safety features: Auto body repairs may involve repairing or replacing safety features such as airbags, seat belts, and sensors. If not done correctly, these features may not function properly and put the driver and passengers at risk in the event of an accident.
• Improperly aligned wheels: Failing to properly align the wheels can make your vehicle handle incorrectly and become harder to control, potentially resulting an accident. 
• Poorly repaired brakes: Improperly installing brakes can make your vehicle a huge safety hazard on the road.
• Poor visibility: Auto body damage can affect your vehicle’s windows, mirrors, and lights, making it more difficult to see other vehicles or obstacles on the road.

Without the proper expertise, you cannot ensure that all the safety systems have been properly repaired and function as intended. It’s important to make sure your car is safe to drive not only for you but your passengers and others on the road.

Void Warranties or Insurance Policies

By fixing auto body damages on your own, you may end up impacting warranties or insurance policies that you have on your vehicle. If you damage your car while attempting to fix it on your own, you may not be covered under your insurance policy and be liable for any damages that occur in the future as a result.

Trust Caversham Coachworks, an Auto Body Repair Specialist Near You

Auto body repair requires specialised knowledge, skills, and equipment, so attempting to repair auto body damage yourself may make things worse. It is recommended to take your vehicle to a professional in order to avoid any further damage or cost more to repair in the long run. If you need auto body repairs, it’s important to find a qualified specialist in your area.

At Caversham Coachworks, we take care of everything from insurance, crash, and car body repairs to dent and scratch repairs and many other services. We have specialists ready to take care of you with the knowledge, skills and experience to repair your vehicle correctly. We are the leading independent vehicle repair centre in Berkshire and Central Oxfordshire and promise to offer exceptional service and quality work.

If your car is in need of repairs, big or small, contact us today to speak with one of our experts or use our free and easy estimator tool.