When your car isn't running quite right, there are times in which it should be towed. Many drivers think that since the car still runs that it is safe to at least drive it to the mechanic's shop. One example of when you shouldn't drive your car, even when it runs, is when the air conditioning compressor goes bad. Your car may run fine for a few miles, but the system can seize and cause a whole lot more damage to the vehicle. This blog will provide you with more examples of when to tow your car and tips on finding a tow service to use.
You take your car into an auto body repair shop to fix where another driver hit your car, and a few days later you pick up your car looking like new. The process of getting your car that way requires a number of steps. Here are the different phases of repair that your car goes through before you get the call from the service manager that it's ready for you.
Second Inspection
The service person that gave you the original repair estimate uses a number of resources to determine what must be done to your car. Once you bring in the car for work, another inspection is done to document each piece that must be addressed so parts can be ordered. Rarely will this inspection differ much from the original estimate, but hidden damage can show up in this inspection.
Repairing Structural Damage
Damaged trim and panels are removed from the car and any structural damage is repaired first. The frame is straightened and any bent or twisted pieces replaced. The car can be unsafe to drive if the frame isn't fixed and body panels and trim won't fit properly.
Repairing Body Panels
Dents and scratches in metal body panels are now repaired. The metal may be filed and sanded to make it smooth again and ready to take the paint. Body panels made of composite materials must be replaced. The trim is left off until the car has been painted.
Painting the Car
The car is washed and all grease and oil removed from the body panels with a chemical solution. Anything left on the body panels will prevent the paint from sticking. Windows and trim pieces are now masked to reduce cleanup after the paint job. The car is then rolled into a ventilated paint booth for sanding and painting.
Paint is put on in multiple layers. Each layer dries and is sanded lightly before the next layer is applied to get that showroom finish on your car. After the final layer dries, the masking material is removed and any touch-ups are done around the edges of the panels and where the trim attaches to the car.
Finish Work
Trim is reattached to the car and the body work is inspected by the shop manager. The car is washed one more time and given a final inspection. The service manager calls you to pick up your car looking like new again.
For more information, contact a company like Auto Collision Specialists.
Share13 October 2015
