Why a Panel Beater's Job Is Increasingly Complex
Posted on: 21 April 2020
When you've been involved in a significant car accident, you will want to know how long you are likely to be without your regular ride. You'll wait patiently for the estimator to finish their work and will then need to wait even more patiently while the panel beater performs their own magic. Yet most people do not fully understand how much work is involved in repairing such accident damage, especially when it comes to the complex vehicle of today. What are some of the tasks awaiting the repair expert?
Rebuilding the Vehicle
As you may know, many cars today are made with a uni-body construction. However, certain individual parts have to be welded on to the base structure in order to provide additional rigidity and functionality.
In a sizeable accident, many of these parts will have to be removed and replaced. This will need to be done very carefully to ensure that the vehicle can function correctly and will perform as originally intended. In the case of a side impact, for example, the strut tower, front rail and centre pillar may need to be cut off and replaced, together with the door panels, the front wing and so on.
Technology and Complexity
Some vehicles may feature the latest technology and panels that are made from futuristic material. This is especially the case in some of the high-end Japanese models where the panels could be made from a composite material that has to be handled very carefully during any repair. In this case, the panel beater may not be able to use the traditional straightening method by applying heat and pulling in one direction or the other. Some of these materials can only be straightened using the "cold" approach, and this has its complications.
Additional Challenge
Yet this is only part of the challenge ahead. Many electrical components may need to be disassembled and removed, certain parts may need to be fabricated due to the extent of the damage and it may take some time to disassemble the vehicle due to the presence of hidden rust or corrosion. All of these factors have to be considered at the outset so that the repair budget can be established and work can start in earnest.
Trusting the Expert
As you can see, there's a lot involved in an accident repair job such as this. Bear in mind, however, that the panel beater is very good at their work and will always return a car that is ready for action.
To learn more, contact a resource like a Lexus smash repair shop.
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