Owning a car comes with responsibilities and challenges. One such challenge is dealing with body damages that are not only an eyesore but may also affect your vehicle’s performance. While it might be tempting to take matters into your own hands, DIY auto body work can be tricky and risky.Â
In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the most common mistakes people make in DIY auto body work and why you might want to consider professional help instead.
How Did You Get Your Car Damaged?
Accidents happen. Whether it’s a fender bender, hail damage, or a scrape against a pole, auto body work becomes necessary at some point for nearly all car owners. These damages can range from minor dents and scratches to more significant structural problems. Knowing the different types of car scratches can help you decide whether a simple touch-up or more extensive repair is needed. So, what’s the next step?
5 DIY Auto Body Work Mistakes to Avoid
Engaging in DIY auto body repairs might seem like a great way to save money, but without the proper expertise and equipment, you’re treading on thin ice. Whether you’re a beginner or attempting a repair job for the first time, avoid these common mistakes in DIY auto body work.
#1 Skipping the Essential Prep Work
Before starting DIY auto body work, knowing how to prep your car for painting is essential. Preparation plays a vital role, particularly in sanding and when using body fillers like Bondo or putty. Poor prep work can lead to low spots, resulting in an uneven paint job later.
Step-by-Step Prep Work:
- Cleaning: Your car body should be squeaky clean. Automotive soap works wonders for removing grime and oils.
- Sanding: Using a sander, prep the surface to ensure the body filler adheres well. Select the right grit of sandpaper to avoid damaging the sheet metal.
- Masking: To avoid a messy paint job, use automotive tape to mask off areas not being treated.
#2 Mismatched Paint and Finish
Believe it or not, matching automotive paint is a science. If you don’t know your base coat from your clear coat, you might end up with a botched paint job. Do-it-yourselfers often resort to spray paint, but without the right touch-up techniques, your DIY auto body work can go horribly wrong.
Common Paint Pitfalls:
- Wrong Shade: A poor match stands out like a sore thumb, making the entire DIY auto body work look amateurish.
- Incompatible Paint Types: Some paint types don’t mix well. Using a paint gun without knowing this can spell disaster.
#3 Ignoring Structural Damage
Glossing over structural damage can lead to severe risks. A collision repair job should go beyond mere aesthetics to consider the safety features, such as airbags and fender integrity.
Structural Concerns:
- Bent Frame: Ignoring this can cause alignment issues and wear out your tires quickly.
- Damaged Safety Features: Compromised safety elements like crumple zones should never be overlooked in any auto body shop work.
#4 Using Incorrect Equipment
Choosing the wrong equipment like a grinder instead of a sander or not using an air compressor when needed can jeopardize the repair job‘s quality and safety.
Equipment Errors:
- Non-Automotive Fasteners: Regular screws won’t withstand the stresses a car body experiences.
- Household Chemicals: These are not meant for auto body filler or rust repair tasks and can degrade your car’s materials over time.
#5 Making Things Worse
First-time DIY auto body work repairs can often lead to more damage. From rust holes exacerbated by incorrect sanding to a botched paint repair job using spray paint, the risks are many.
Potential Further Damages:
- Scratches and Scuffs: An overzealous approach can make dent removal turn into a larger project.
- Chemical Damage: Incorrect use of body filler or spray paint can cause additional issues that demand professional repair shop intervention.
Not Yet Convinced? Here’s 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Do It Yourself
1 You’re Not an Expert
Auto body work is complex and multifaceted. Professional technicians undergo years of training and are updated with the latest repair technologies.
2 It Will Cost You Time and Money!
Contrary to popular belief, DIY auto body work repairs are not always cheaper. The time you spend and the risk of mistakes that require redoing work can actually cost you more in the long run.
3 Just Simply Don’t
Avoid the headache, and seek professional assistance. With StormWise, you’re assured of fair pricing, advanced paintless dent repair (PDR), and a lifetime warranty.
Final Thoughts
DIY auto body repair might initially seem cost-effective, but the risks often outweigh the benefits. Mistakes can lead to further damage, compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle, and even jeopardize your safety.
Quality and safety should always come first in auto body work. Trusting professionals ensures that your car is repaired correctly and safely. If you’re looking for an auto body shop in Denver, StormWise is a trusted choice. We specialize in advanced repair techniques, using only high-quality materials to ensure your car is restored to its best condition. Contact us today and we’ll help you get started!