When you experience a fender bender or accidentally scrape a curb, the damage your car’s body can be a real disappointment. With the help of specialists, you can restore the original look and function of your car. Here are five common types of auto body repairs and how they work.

Types of Auto Body Repairs

1. Paintless Dent Repair

To restore soft indentations that haven’t damaged the paint, technicians will remove the affected body panel to reach the back of the dent. Using specialized suction tools, they will gently massage the dent out of place until it is flush with the original frame of the vehicle.

2. Car Scratch Removal

If a scratch is too deep to buff out on your own, an auto body repair shop can help. To fix the issue, technicians will first scrub the surface with a clay bar. Next, they will buff a compound around the scratch to even it out. If the scratch was limited to the clearcoat, wax can remove the damage. If it went into the car paint, the scratch will need to be sanded before touch-up paint can be applied and waxed.

3. Bumper Straightening  

In many cases, a dented or damaged bumper can be straightened out by a qualified body shop. Typically, professionals will use hot nitrogen gas to heat the plastic until it becomes pliable. Next, they will gently manipulate the material to regain its original shape. If necessary, plastic welding tools may be used to join broken pieces together.

4. Hail Repair

Often, shops will use paintless dent removal to remove indentations caused by hail. However, other professionals may opt to apply resin fillers to the pitting. Once the filler is sanded, painted, and waxed, the car will look as it did before the damage.

5. Windshield Repair & Replacement

If your windshield has a small chip, an auto body repair shop can usually fix the problem using a special resin that fills in the crack and reinforces the glass. If the crack is large and spidery, however, the entire windshield will likely need to be replaced.

Whether you’ve got a small scratch to remove or you require comprehensive car frame repair, Novak’s Collision Center has the skills and resources necessary to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Serving the St. Peters, MO, community for more than two decades, this auto body repair shop has a strong reputation for swift, high-quality work. To learn more about their services, visit them online. For questions about repair needs, call an expert technician at (636) 936-0020.