Types of Auto Body Damage: How to Spot and Prevent

 Vehicle repair and maintenance are part of owning a vehicle – and aside from routine oil changes, tire rotations, and manufacturer-recommended service on various parts and components, one other thing that auto owners often have to manage is damage.

This post will discuss the different types of car damage, how to spot and prevent damage, and how Wrecktify Collision can help. Read on to learn more:

One of the most common types of damage, scratches often occur when vehicles come into contact with tree branches, road debris, objects in parking lots, or even minor contact with other vehicles. Scratches can range from minor to major. Most small scratches can be fairly easily buffed out, while larger ones may require a new paint job or even extensive body repair work if the scratch is deep enough.

Dents are considered types of vehicle damage larger than one-half of an inch that tend to damage both the paint and the vehicle body. Dents are not to be confused with dings, which are typically defined as damage that’s less than one-half of an inch in size. If either is not repaired in a timely manner, however, it may result in rusting and further body damage to the vehicle. Dents are often the result of minor collisions and/or weather events. They’re repaired by administering body filler or, in more significant cases, replacing the specific panel on the body of the vehicle.

Many drivers just associate cracks with damage that can occur to windshields, but they can also occur in windows and body panels as well, often the result of impacts or accidents. Cracks on windows and windshields should be addressed quickly so they don’t spread and jeopardize a driver’s sight lines and thereby their safety while operating the vehicle. They should also be addressed in a timely manner when they occur on body panels so the structural integrity of the vehicle is not compromised.

Rust is more common with older vehicles that consist of metal parts and body panels. Rusting occurs largely as a result of exposure to road salt and other corrosive materials that drivers encounter on the roads, and tends to be a more common problem in northern states that must manage road conditions during winter weather. Rust is a problem because it can weaken metal parts on the car, which can compromise its safety. Rust is also a major eyesore. The best ways to manage rust are to wash the vehicle frequently, wax it at least twice a year, regularly apply rust coatings, and make repairs quickly before it can spread.

For more information on the types of auto body damage, including how to prevent and repair them, contact Wrecktify Collision today. As experts in collision repair and all types of car damage, we’ll have your vehicle looking great again in no time. Contact us today for more information and for an estimate on your repairs.