What is auto body repair, and how does it differ from auto repair? Many car owners use the words interchangeably, but there’s actually a big difference between these two services.
Below, we discuss what you need to know about these two repair services and what you need right now.
What is auto body repair?
Auto body repair refers to restorations and touch-ups done on the ‘body’ of the vehicle. It deals with the exterior part of the car, including the roof, door, windshield, hood, windows, trunk, fenders, bumpers, and more.
Moreover, auto body repair covers everything on the external part of your car. It doesn’t include any internal repairs involving your engine or any mechanical aspect.
So what do auto body shops do? An auto body shop fixes external damages that your vehicle may sustain after an accident. A good example here is a dented hood or a broken bumper.
Remember that auto body shows don’t provide maintenance or mechanical repair.
Also, auto body repair is different from auto detailing.
Auto detailing includes the in-depth cleaning of a vehicle inside and out. It focuses on smaller bodywork on your car, like waxing or polishing, while auto body shops usually work on more extensive damages.
Nevertheless, an auto body shop may also offer detailing services since they complement each other.
Types of auto body repair
- Paintless dent repair. This is done when the vehicle’s body has dents, and the paint isn’t affected. An experienced mechanic uses specialized tools to tap the dent away.
- Bumper replacements. Bumper damage is a common problem and is not too costly to repair. You may need this service after a collision.
- Car body painting. Car paint in Los Angeles can be done as a restorative service or for cosmetic purposes. It can be done on a localized area or the entire vehicle’s body.
- Scratch repair. Scratches can be buffed or repainted to avoid a complete car paint job. It’s also a preventive solution to keep the scratch from spreading further.
- Window repair or replacement. Car window damage can be due to vehicle collisions, natural wear and tear, or projectile objects. An auto body repair shop is the expert to call for this problem.
- Windshield repair or replacement. Like your car’s windows, you may also need windshield servicing after an accident. It may include repairing small cracks or getting a total replacement.
- Car frame alignment. If your car is pulling to the side, shaking, or not driving in a straight line, it likely needs frame alignment and repair services. This is to restore the structural integrity of your vehicle.
- Detailing. Most auto body shops offer detailing services like waxing, buffing, polishing, etc. These are additional touch-ups to enhance the appearance of your vehicle and protect its paint from harsh elements.
- Body panel replacement. Body panels are the individual metal sheet parts that cover your car’s body. It could be repaired or ultimately replaced if your car has severe structural damage.
What is auto repair?
Auto repair is needed if your car has an engine, transmission, suspension, lighting, oil, or leak problem.
All the internal parts are covered under auto repair, including the mechanical and electrical aspects.
Auto repair shops focus on fixing engine components and other related parts. They work on restoring the driving conditions of your car from the inside.
The good thing is that many auto repair shops also offer auto body services. This way, you’ll have a one-stop shop to go to whenever you have problems with your car.
Types of auto repairs
There’s a long list of auto repair services that can be done in a vehicle. Here are the common services you’ll get from an auto repair shop in Los Angeles:
- Transmission work. This includes repairing, rebuilding, or replacing a vehicle’s transmission system. Also, this service is costly and often needed after a severe accident or once the car reaches a very high mileage.
- Oil changes. Oil changes are needed at least once a year or every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers of mileage, whichever comes first.
- Spark park replacements. Spark plugs are small and cheap components, but a faulty one is enough to prevent your engine from starting. It’s responsible for igniting fuel, so your engine will kick in and start.
- Oxygen sensor replacement. This component is located on the exhaust system of your vehicle. It detects how much O2 your car emits and the engine’s air-to-fuel ratio.
- Replacing or tuning brakes. Car brakes experience wear and tear over time, but they are not expensive to fix. It’s best to have it serviced, so you won’t have to face brakes that go out while you’re driving.
- Repairing engine components. Depending on the severity of the damage, your engine may need repairs or a full replacement.
- Performing electrical work. This includes the vehicle’s battery, starter, and alternator, which powers up the fuel system.
- Air conditioning repair. AC repair is one of the most common auto repair services, especially as the summer season kicks in.
- Fuel system repair. This is done to restore the fuel efficiency of your vehicle by cleaning up debris and carbon deposits accumulated on the intake valves.
- Tire repairs and changes. Tire changes can be done on your own if you know the process, but you still need an expert to ensure proper alignment.
- Restoring other moving components of the vehicle. Every moving part of your car is covered under auto repair.
- Regular maintenance services. Even if your car is damage-free, you still need maintenance services like fluid checks, lubrication, leak check, fueling, etc.
Which one do you need?
After a collision or any vehicular accident, you’ll likely need both auto body repair and auto repair.
Remember that your car won’t just suffer from a dented hood or door after a collision. The force that caused this superficial damage likely extended into the internal parts of your vehicle.
It’s always best to get your car checked both internally and externally after an accident. Even minor external damage could reveal a more serious problem once the engine is inspected.
Always remember that auto body and auto repair are essential in maintaining the roadworthiness of your vehicle.
If you’re unsure what services your car needs, it’s best to bring it to an auto shop in Los Angeles.
Choose a reliable auto body shop and auto repair in Los Angeles
Enzo Collision is your reliable partner when it comes to auto repair and auto body repair services. We have been servicing the Los Angeles area for years, and we’ve seen almost every car problem imaginable.
Aside from that, we make insurance claims for collision repair easier for you. We have an onsite lawyer and a complete claims process, so you don’t have to worry about covering the cost of qualified repairs.
Our team also provides free towing if you can’t bring the car to our shop. You can trust us to restore the driving conditions of your vehicle at a very reasonable price.
Call us at (818) 873-5259, and our team of licensed car specialists will handle everything for you. For your peace of mind, all our repairs are backed by a written lifetime guarantee — no other shops in LA can offer that!
