If you’re not familiar with the world of car mechanics, you may think that all auto shops are built the same. While there are many auto shops with technicians who have good generalist training, there are certain situations where a specialist is needed, the same way certain medical concerns may require going to a specialist like a chiropractor or podiatrist.
Keep reading to learn four of the most common types of specialized automotive technicians and what they do.
#1. Collision Repair Technicians
If you’ve ever gotten into a fender bender or accident, you may have been surprised when the place you go to get your oil changed couldn’t help. That’s because there are certain forms of damage that are better handled by collision repair technicians, and not every repair shop has one on staff.
Collision repair technicians are trained in repairing damage after a car crash. They can work on both the body and internal components of the car, and are experts at handling structural damage that may result from an accident. They use specialized tools to repair or replace damaged components of your vehicle, and repaint damaged areas as necessary. Collision repair technicians usually work at dealerships or body repair shops.
#2. Auto Glass Repair Specialists
Another type of technician you may need to visit after a collision, or perhaps a bad weather event like hail, is an auto glass specialist. These technicians are experts at repairing or replacing all types of auto glass, from windshields to side windows and sunroofs. They usually work out of their own shops, although some larger dealerships or body shops may have one on staff.
It’s especially important to go to a specialist when your glass is broken because glass can be tricky to do right. Using low quality glass or installing it incorrectly can seriously compromise the safety of your vehicle and lead to more glass repairs further down the line. If you need glass repair, make sure your repair shop has a good track record of doing it, or better yet, go to a shop that specializes in auto glass.
#3. Paint Experts
Many people feel confident in doing touch-ups or even full paint jobs themselves because it seems like it would be simple compared to mechanical or body work. However, car paint can be deceptively complicated, and it’s highly advised to go to an expert.
Paint experts work in most auto shops, and are specially trained in all aspects of auto painting, from prep work to color matching to clear coating. They understand how paint interacts with the metal and plastic of your car, and they use that knowledge to get the best results possible. This is especially important when replacement parts or small touch ups that need to match the rest of your car’s paint are required.
#4. Dent Repair Experts
A final type of technician that you may need to visit if your car has been damaged is a dent repair expert. These experts use specialized tools and techniques to remove dents from your car’s body. Dent repair can be done in a couple of ways, but paintless dent repair (PDR) is gaining popularity because it’s generally more affordable, effective, faster and less invasive than traditional dent repair methods.
PDR is recommended for many kinds of dents, including typical dings, hail damage, and some types of collision dents. The downside is that PDR technicians aren’t very common, so you’ll have to go out of your way to visit a shop that specializes in dent repair to find one. Some dents also aren’t suitable for PDR, and or may require a combination of PDR and traditional dent repair techniques. A dent repair technician can help guide you through what repair method is most appropriate for your car.
If you want to get an idea of how much dent repair would cost for you, try out this dent repair cost estimator.
Conclusion
There are dozens of different types of automotive technicians, but these are just four of the most common ones. Each has their own area of expertise, so the next time you have car trouble, make sure you take it to the right person so you can get high-quality repairs.
