According to one study, 88% of American households own a car. With so many drivers on the road, car damage is sometimes an inevitable part of an owner’s experience. Luckily, many of these incidents only come with car dents, not injuries. Here are the most common reasons people go to an auto body shop.

What Car Parts Get Damaged the Most?

1. Front & Back Bumpers

They’re called bumpers for a reason: they’re designed to absorb shock from collisions and thus protect other parts of your car. In the event of an impact, your front or back bumper might crack, dent, or even become detached. Alternatively, inattentive driving might lead to scrapes along the sides of your bumper.

When you take your car to the auto body shop, your mechanic will check beneath the plastic cover to examine the thick foam pad located there. If it’s still intact, they may only need to replace the plastic cover; if not, they’ll replace the foam too to ensure it serves its purpose.

2. Fenders

Your fenders are often confused with your bumpers, but they serve a different purpose: they are the frame of the wheel well and prevent your tires from spraying debris or dirt at other cars and pedestrians. During side collisions especially, fenders absorb impact.

Scratches to your fender can be painted or buffed out, while dents can be pulled out using suction. If your mechanic finds the dent doesn’t budge, the fender will need to be replaced.

With a small crack or break, your mechanic might be able to reinforce and fill it; for a bigger crack or break, they’ll need to replace it to ensure it doesn’t give out, leaving your wheels unprotected.

3. Hood

Hood damage is usually the result of a forward collision though hail can also dent it.

Some car owners might make the mistake of believing a dented hood is a purely cosmetic problem. However, if damage prevents the hood from latching properly, due to warping or problems with the hinges, it might pop open during a drive and obstruct your view, causing an accident. 

For small dents, your mechanic might use paintless dent repair or other methods to fix the problem. For larger dents, you’ll likely need a hood replacement.

For a trustworthy auto body shop, go to Tracy’s Collision Center in Lincoln, NE. For nearly 50 years, they’ve provided scratch repair, car frame straightening, and bumper repairs, among other services. After an unsettling experience like an accident, you’ll feel calm knowing your car is in confident hands. Call (402) 441-4820 to schedule an appointment. Learn about their reputation for excellence online.