Think about how far automobiles have come in just over 150 years. The Model T barely chugged along, and now, we have lightning-fast drag racers and semi-trucks that can haul thousands of pounds. The innovation is remarkable, and we can be pretty confident we have not seen the end of innovation in the automotive industry, either. There are a lot of vehicle companies doing their very best to create more powerful cars that are even more fun to drive. Safety features are being improved, too. Learn more about the automotive industry — an industry that impacts us all — right here on this website.
Damage to your vehicle from a collision, even a small collision that just causes cosmetic damage, can sometimes be costlier in the long run than even severe mechanical damage. While mechanical problems rarely impact the long-term resale value of a car once repaired, improperly repaired cosmetic damage can significantly reduce the value of a vehicle throughout its lifetime. Fortunately, there are options for restoring your ride even when you're on a budget.
If you need to repair your vehicle while working on a budget, then these three tips will help to ensure that you find the most cost-effective option possible.
1. Consider Paintless Dent Repair
If the damage to your vehicle is relatively minor, then paintless dent repair may be a relatively budget-friendly option. As the name implies, paintless dent repair techniques can restore panels without requiring new paint. Since these techniques don't involve repainting your car, the paint should still be in relatively good condition.
Paintless dent repair is often the best option when dealing with hail damage or dents that did not penetrate the paint. While you should always have damage evaluated by a professional, you can get an idea if your car is a viable paintless repair candidate by looking for deep scratches, creased metal, or other signs that paintwork may be required.
2. Use Aftermarket or Used Parts
When it comes to bodywork, aftermarket, or used, parts may be an excellent option to save some cash without compromising the final result. Although aftermarket parts may not fit as perfectly as genuine body parts, skilled body shops can often minimize any imperfections. In some cases, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars while getting a part just as good as the factory replacement.
If in doubt, discuss your options with your auto body shop. Most shops will have preferred aftermarket suppliers and can help to point you to parts with the right quality and cost characteristics for your budget.
3. Leave Plastic Parts Unpainted
Although it should never be your first choice, you can leave plastic parts unpainted to save money if your budget is especially tight. Since plastic won't rust, unpainted parts are not especially vulnerable to exposure damage from the elements. Opting for bare plastic may not look attractive, but it will prevent further damage from rust while restoring the protective aspects of your car's bumpers.
Even better, you can choose to have the unpainted panels repainted in the future. Taking this approach allows you to save money now without hurting the long-term resale value of your vehicle.
For more information about collision repair options, reach out to a shop near you like Exoticar Paintworks Inc.
Share13 July 2020
