A minor dent on your car may seem like a simple matter, but it’s often difficult to know whether repainting the area is enough or if a more in-depth body repair is required.
Making the right decision not only impacts the vehicle’s appearance, but also its safety, durability, and resale value.
At New Again Auto Repair, we explain how to identify what type of service your car needs after a collision or superficial damage.
- Assess the Type and Depth of Damage
The first step is to carefully examine the damage.
- Superficial Dents: If there are only scratches or loss of shine, they are usually fixed with local polishing or repainting.
- Minor Dents: When the bodywork doesn’t have severe cracks or bends, they can be repaired through straightening and refinishing.
- Structural damage: If there are deformations in frames, doors, or panels that don’t close properly, a more comprehensive body repair is necessary before painting.
Tip: Even if the dent seems minor, some internal damage is not visible to the naked eye and can compromise the alignment or function of the parts.
- When Repainting Is Enough
Repainting is sufficient when the damage does not affect the vehicle’s structure, but only the exterior finish.
This includes:
- Deep scratches that have not penetrated the base coat.
- Loss of color or shine due to sun exposure.
- Minor scratches from other vehicles or objects.
In these cases, a professional paint service can match the exact shade of the original color, eliminating imperfections and restoring the car to its factory appearance.
At New Again Auto Repair, we use advanced color-matching technology and controlled paint booths, ensuring consistent and long-lasting results.
- When Body Repair Is Needed
When the impact causes visible deformation or affects the alignment of parts, repainting is no longer enough. It’s necessary to straighten the body before applying paint.
Some clear signs are:
- Doors, hoods, or trunks that don’t close properly.
- Misaligned panels or uneven gaps.
- Noises or vibrations when driving after the impact.
In these cases, structural work using measuring and straightening equipment is required, followed by a complete refinishing to restore the vehicle’s original shape, texture, and color.
- The Importance of Professional Refinishing
Refinishing isn’t just about “painting over.”
It includes a series of technical processes such as:
- Sanding and surface preparation.
- Application of primer, base coat, and clear coat.
- Controlled drying in a booth.
- Final polishing to achieve shine and uniformity.
Improper application can cause color differences, peeling, or premature loss of shine.
Therefore, choosing a certified shop with experience in automotive refinishing is essential to ensure a flawless result.
- Why You Shouldn’t Postpone the Repair
Postponing a repair can make the damage worse.
Humidity, dust, and sun exposure can cause rust on exposed metal or peeling of the paint.
In addition, a misaligned body can compromise the vehicle’s aerodynamics and safety.
Acting early can save you money and avoid more costly problems in the future.
Deciding between repair or refinishing depends on the depth of the damage and the structural condition of the vehicle.
While minor scratches or scuffs can be resolved with a professional refinish, larger dents require straightening and a complete refinishing to return the car to its original shape and finish.
At New Again Auto Repair, we have certified technicians, specialized tools, and high-quality materials to offer you the best automotive repair and painting services.
We also work with all insurance companies and provide assistance with towing and car rentals, making your process convenient and hassle-free.
Schedule your appointment or request a free evaluation at: https://newagainautorepair.com
New Again Auto Repair — Where your vehicle looks like new again.
