If you own a car, then chances are that at some point in your life you've needed the services of an auto body shop technician. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association(NADA), Americans buy about 14.5 million new vehicles every year.
Most new car owners don't know the distinction between an auto body shop and a mechanic shop. In this article, we will look at the two professions and establish some crucial distinctions.
Auto Body Shop Technician vs. a Mechanic
Not everyone who fixes your car is a mechanic. Mechanics and auto body shop technicians are some of the most sought-after individuals. However, not everyone knows the difference between these two people. Automobiles are complex machines that often require a team of professionals working together.
The main difference between the two is the area of specialization. Mechanics mainly focus on the performance of the vehicle. Their job is to sort out issues under the hood. If your car isn't running properly, take your car to a mechanic and not an auto body shop. Mechanics fix brakes, bent rods, spark plugs, gearboxes, and onboard computer systems.
On the other hand, auto body shops focus on the aesthetics of the vehicle. Most of an auto body shop technician's job is to fix the visible parts of the car. They look at the paint job, the frame, and the body panels.
For minor car accidents, all you need is an auto body shop technician. However, if the damage immobilized the car, you will need both a mechanic and a body shop technician.
Roles of an Auto Body Shop Technician
As earlier mentioned, mechanics and auto body shop technicians focus on different parts of the vehicle. Both are equally important when it comes to repairing your car. Here is a list of common problems that an auto body shop technician can help you with.
Frame Repair
The vehicle's frame provides the structural foundation. The frame offers a point of attachment for all the other parts of any car. There are two main types of car frames, namely uni-body and body on frame. Vehicles made during the first half of the 20th century have a body that is separate from the chassis. Modern cars have a cage-like structure that merges the frame into one piece.
Uni-body frames are generally safer than body-on-frame options. However, both take most of the hit during a collision. Damage or crooked frame compromises the structural integrity of the vehicle. Auto body shop technicians can help fix your car frame after an accident. The process usually begins with assessing the damage.
Reputable auto body shops have the right tools for body repairs. Frame repair requires hydraulics and even laser measurement. The first step is securing the vehicle on the platform. Repairing involves pulling and pushing the affected areas. Technicians repeat this step until the frame reverts to factory measurements.
Fender and Bumper Repair
Fenders and bumpers exist for protection. The fender is the piece of plastic usually attached to the wheel. Its primary purpose is to guard the car body from flying debris. It also protects the body of the car from scratches caused by flying projectiles. On the other hand, bumpers cushion the car body from head-on collision or rear-ending.
Between the two, the bumpers are usually the most affected in an accident. Bumper repairs are the most requested service in auto body shops across America. Bumpers sustain different types of damage ranging from scratches to serious cracks. Any reputable auto body shop should be able to restore your bumper and fender to their original conditions.
Dent Removal
Car dents occur when an object impacts the panel of the vehicle. The level of damage will depend on the shape of the object and the speed of impact. Dents occur due to several reasons ranging from a wayward ball to falling trees in the yard. Whatever the cause, a skilled auto body shop technician can smooth it out and restore your vehicle's appearance.
If left unattended, dents can open up the car rust and damage the entire exterior in the process. Dent repair techniques vary depending on the size of the dent. Round dents and ding are often resolved with minimally invasive processes. This is because such dent usually leaves the paint job intact. However, big dents such as creases and sharp dents require more work.
Dents that penetrate the paint layers and reach the metal are the most expensive to fix. The process usually starts with cleaning the area around the dent. This step helps to remove paint chippings and dirt. It involves several rounds of sanding and filling to even out the area. Painting and waxing are the last steps.
Scratch Removal
Scratches are the most annoying problem. They seem to appear out of nowhere even after being careful. Vehicles can develop scratches for the mildest of reasons. For instance, improper washing can scratch your car. Other common causes include keying, rubbing against the car, and rocks.
Scratches are generally categorized depending on how what layer they affect. Clear coat scratches are the most superficial and only affect the outermost layer. You may not need to go to an auto body shop for clear coat scratches. Thanks to scratch-removal kits, drivers can do this at home. However, deeper scratches are better left to auto body shop technicians.
Auto body shops follow the same steps used in fixing dents when dealing with deep scratches. Repairs start with cleaning to remove paint chips and any embedded dirt. The next steps are sanding and applying a primer. The auto body technician then paints the area with a color matching the rest of the car. The last phase is waxing to seal in the paint.
Custom Auto Body Painting
Car manufacturers only make a limited range of colors. Fortunately, car owners can turn to auto body shops for custom paint jobs. The most significant appeal of custom paints is that they give your ride a unique look that fits your style. As a bonus, thieves may think twice about jacking your car since finding it won't be a problem.
Custom painting a car is hard work that requires a skilled auto body shop technician. The process begins with stripping the car of the existing paint. The next step is grinding the metal to remove any rust issues. The subsequent steps include adding a filler, sanding, and applying a sealer. The final stages are applying a base coat, a clear coat, and waxing.
When it comes to custom paint jobs, you can choose from several patterns. Most clients come into auto body shops with a rough concept in mind. If you are uncertain about what you want, you can always get one of the most popular patterns. Common designs to consider include flames, fades, or racing stripes.
Final Thoughts
Auto Body shop technicians are some of the most important people in a car owner's life. However, most people mistake them for mechanics and vice versa. Knowing the difference helps you to decide where to go when your vehicle has a problem.
An auto body shop technician receives training to repair the visible parts of the car. They work on everything from the frame to custom painting. We hope this article helps you understand what an auto body shop technician does.