If you enjoy DIY projects, you may be tempted to try your hand at fixing your vehicle. Unlike shelf building, landscaping, or other approachable household tasks, auto body repair is best left to the professionals. Even if you’ve successfully tackled relatively advanced home improvement tasks, trying to perform your own vehicular fixes could be costly as well as dangerous. Here’s a rundown of why you should steer clear of taking on your own repair. 

Why You Should Avoid DIY Auto Body Repair

1. Safety Concerns

After a collision, you may notice a few dents and scratches and think you can remove them on your own. The reality is that there are likely more substantial problems invisible to the eye. A professional mechanic will use a computerized diagnostic test to evaluate the structure of a car after an accident.

Without that service, you’ll have no idea that you even need a deeper repair, and will head back out on the road with a possibly compromised suspension or faulty brake system. Mechanics have training, experience, and the equipment necessary to restore your vehicle to optimum condition. 

2. Time & Money

For many people, saving money is part of the appeal of DIY. If you try to handle auto body repair on your own, however, you’ll realize that even home remedies are expensive. You’ll need to access and possibly rent a sizable and meticulously clean space to avoid a terrible paint job. Additionally, you’ll need a range of specialized equipment, like an electric sander, an air compressor, and a spray gun. You’ll spend money on buffers, paint, and thinners, plus the safety equipment necessary to protect you from fumes. 

Moreover, between study, preparation, and potential mistakes, the work is likely to take much longer, lasting days or even weeks. Factor in the opportunity cost of all that time to calculate the true expense of a DIY job. Professional help will likely seem relatively affordable. 

3. Appearance 

Painting a car is nothing like painting an interior wall in your home. The activity requires precision and patience to strip down the entire car, sand the surface, and apply primer. Even a tiny amount of dust or debris on the surface can ruin the job. If the coating looks amateurish, it will hurt the value of your vehicle. What’s more, it’s hard to find the exact same paint color as the original. Professionals rely on sophisticated color-matching technology to ensure an even blend. 

Instead of taking major risks by attempting auto body repair on your own, bring your car to the professionals at Murray's Body Shop in Goshen, NY. With over 50 years of experience, this family-owned and -operated collision repair center will help you get your vehicle back on the road in pristine condition. Receive a free estimate by calling (845) 294-6139 or send a message through their website.