Oops, you gave a cement pole a little love tap backing out in a parking garage, or perhaps you got into a minor fender bender. Someone opened their car door into yours, or you ran over something you couldn’t swerve to avoid. No matter how safe you are, preventing superficial body damage to your car or truck is nearly impossible.
While minor dents, scratches, and other areas of surface damage may not seem like a big deal, they can spell severe consequences if you don’t make repairs fast. Here are six reasons why it is critical to fix superficial auto body damage quickly.
Paint protects your vehicle against rust. That means any paint chips or scratches can allow water to penetrate the metal automobile frame. This will cause rust to form over time. Left unattended, rust can eat through this metal, weakening the body and chassis. Repairing cosmetic damage early can prevent deterioration over time and keep any scratches or scrapes from worsening.
Your vehicle’s exterior is also vulnerable to superficial damage from outdoor elements, especially in an area like Flagstaff, with an average of 100 inches of snow during winter and a very active monsoon season. Weather can damage your car’s finish, and minor damage can lead to rust spots on your vehicle.
What appears to be cosmetic damage may, in fact, be structural. A small ding could be a sign of more serious problems related to your safety, especially in the event of an accident. That’s because most modern vehicles are filled with foam underneath panels for your protection. The foam absorbs the impact of an accident without causing you or your car much damage.
What lies beneath superficial damage may be a massive dent in the foam behind the panels. That means you (and your car) wouldn’t have the same level of cushion from the foam if you were to get in an accident, leaving you vulnerable to extensive harm.
You’re certainly faced with any car repairs you’ve put off when you want to sell or trade-in your vehicle. Dings, dents, and scratches from years ago can come back to haunt you and your wallet when compared to vehicles in better condition. Fixing damages promptly helps to ensure you’ll get the most money possible for your automobile if you ever want to sell it.
Another factor to consider is getting the repairs done right the first time. It is essential to use a high-quality certified autobody shop, like Flagstaff Collision Center, with certified technicians to help protect the value of your vehicle with exceptional work.
Superficial damage can get worse over time. Getting repairs done quickly can help you avoid much more costly and complex scenarios, such as:
In the event of an accident, your insurance company might require repairs because they don’t want to insure a damaged vehicle. The insurer could deny your claim if they find out something was damaged and you didn’t fix it.
A lender may require repairs if you do not own your vehicle outright. Most lenders will need to be listed as a loss payee on the policy because this will let them know if a claim has been filed.
Auto body repair costs can vary widely depending on the extent of damage from fixing small scrapes to completely replacing parts. Your car insurance may cover the cost of repairing dents and scratches if you carry comprehensive or collision coverage on your auto policy. Evaluating your car insurance regularly is wise to ensure you have the proper protection.
Whether you need your paint fixed or more serious auto collision repairs, you can depend on our team to make your vehicle look and perform like new. To request a free estimate, schedule an appointment, check your repair status, or simply say hi, contact us today at Flagstaff Collision Center.