Learning About Auto Body And Paint Projects

2 Reasons To Have Damage To Your Car's Paint Repaired Immediately After A Collision

After being involved in a collision with either another vehicle or an object, you may have noticed a few scratches or gouges in the paint at the point of impact. Because you believe that this damage is only cosmetic, you may decide to simply live with it. However, there are a couple of reasons why you should have the damage to your car's paint repaired as soon as possible.

1.  Avoids Future Problems with the Paint and Body

The paint on your car does more than giving the body its color. The base coat, colored paint, and topcoat also form protective barriers between the underlying metal of your car and the elements, such as rain, snow, and ice. Even if your car has only sustained minor-looking scratches, it may be in for some future problems, if you do not have them repaired. Even a small break in the barrier exposes the body underneath the paint to moisture that will eventually cause rust, which will eat away at the metal and impair the structural integrity of your car's body. Also, any scratches or gouges will weaken the paint itself. After a while, it will start to peel and flake, which will widen the area of the body that is exposed to the elements.

2.  Gives the Technician a Chance to Examine the Body's Condition

Another reason to have the damaged paint repaired as soon as possible after a collision is to give the repair technician a chance to examine the condition of the body itself. Even if you do not see any damage other than on the paint, there is a chance that the body panels or even the frame were dented during impact. If the body panels were damaged, they will be exposed to further damage under the stress of the vehicle's vibrations and light impacts of road debris. This may result in more extensive repairs to the body down the road. However, if the frame was damaged, your car's overall structural integrity has been compromised, and this can be a serious safety issue. Not only will your car not be able to withstand any future impacts as well, but it can also decrease the effectiveness of some of its safety features, such as the airbag system.

If your car was struck by another vehicle or object and you notice damage to the paint, it is better to have the damage inspected and taken care of as soon as possible after the incident, to avoid future problems. Take your vehicle to a car body repair service to have them examine the paint and body and discuss your options for making any necessary repairs.


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