Top Car Repair Techniques Your Collision Repair Expert Should Have

Let’s face it, Kiwis love their cars. They take us on road trips, adventures, and the daily commute. But even the most careful driver can find themselves dealing with the aftermath of a car accident resulting in auto body damage. So, when the unthinkable happens, you want to make sure your car is in the hands of a collision repair expert who has the right skills and knowledge with the right collision repair methods.

To help you understand this better, here’s a breakdown of some of the top auto body repair techniques you should look for when choosing a collision repair shop in New Zealand:

1. Paintless Dent Removal (PDR)

Paintless dent repair and removal is a specialised technique for removing minor dents and dings from your car’s body panels without needing to repaint the area. This is a fantastic option for small dents caused by hail, shopping carts, or even rogue rugby balls!

Benefits: PDR is a quicker and more affordable repair option compared to traditional methods. It also preserves the car’s original existing paint job, which can be important for maintaining its value. PDR is an eco-friendly option as well, since it eliminates the need for solvents and chemicals used in repainting.
Finding a PDR expert: Look for an auto body repair shop that has technicians specifically trained and certified in PDR. These technicians will have the necessary tools and experience to ensure a flawless repair without damaging the surrounding paint.

2. Panel Repair and Replacement

Now that we understand who these certified professionals are, the question is: why does opting for certified panel beaters matter so much? To give you an idea, here are some key reasons why you should hire certified repairers:

Safety: A poorly repaired car can be a safety hazard. Improperly aligned panels or weakened structures can compromise your vehicle’s ability to protect you in a future collision or vehicle damage. Certified panel beaters ensure repairs meet safety standards, giving you peace of mind on the road.
Value: While choosing the cheapest option might seem appealing upfront, it could cost you more in the long run. Uncertified repairs might not last, leading to premature wear and tear or even structural issues. Certified collision repair experts provide repairs that are built to last, protecting the value of your car.
Warranty: Certified collision repair shops often back their work with warranties. This gives you added protection and recourse if you experience any problems with the repairs down the line.
Insurance: Many insurance companies prefer to work with certified panel beaters. This can streamline the insurance claim process and ensure a smooth repair experience.

3. Frame Straightening

The chassis, or frame, is the underlying structure of your car that holds everything together. Even a minor car damage can cause the frame to bend or misalign. This can have a significant impact on your car’s handling, safety, and overall performance.

The importance of frame straightening: Frame straightening is a crucial repair process that ensures your car’s structural integrity is restored to factory specifications. This involves using specialised measuring equipment like jigs and laser measuring systems to identify any bends or misalignments in the frame. Hydraulic machinery is then used to carefully bend the frame back into its original position.
Why choose a certified shop: Frame straightening requires a high level of expertise and specialised equipment. Look for a collision repair shop that is certified in frame straightening by a reputable industry body like the Collision Repair Association of New Zealand (CRANZ). This ensures your car is being repaired by technicians who have undergone rigorous training and have the necessary experience to handle this critical process.

4. Advanced Welding Techniques

Modern cars often use a combination of different materials in their construction, including high-strength steel, aluminium, and even composites. Collision repair shops that utilise advanced welding techniques can effectively repair these materials, ensuring a strong and lasting repair.

Beyond basic welding: There’s more to welding than just sticking two pieces of metal together. Collision repair experts should be proficient in different welding techniques, like MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding for steel repairs and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding for aluminium repairs. Spot welding is another technique used to join specific parts of the car’s frame.
Benefits of advanced welding: Advanced welding techniques allow for precise and long-lasting repairs, even on complex car parts. This ensures the structural integrity and safety of your car is maintained. Furthermore, advanced welding can be used for repairs that wouldn’t be possible with traditional methods, such as repairing cracks or broken components.

5. Cutting-Edge Paint Techniques

Gone are the days of simple spray painting. Modern auto body repairs utilise advanced paint technologies to achieve a perfect factory finish. This includes using computerised paint mixing systems to ensure a flawless colour match and environmentally friendly paint booths for a clean and safe application.

The benefits of a quality paint job: A high-quality paint job not only enhances the appearance of your car but also protects it from the elements. Modern paints offer superior protection against UV rays, rust, and scratches, keeping your car looking its best for longer. Additionally, clear coat application adds an extra layer of protection and shine to your car’s paint.
Beyond the basic paint: Look for a collision repair shop that offers additional paint services like scratch removal or pin-point touch-up for those minor blemishes. These services can help to keep your car looking its best and maintain its value.

Getting Your Car Back on the Road with Confidence

After a collision, it’s important to choose a collision repair shop that you can trust. By looking for a shop that utilises the top auto repair techniques mentioned above, you can have peace of mind knowing your car is in the hands of experts. These techniques ensure a safe, high-quality, and long-lasting repair that will get you back on the road with confidence.

So, if you’re looking for someone to trust on the collision repair industry in Wellington, worry no more! RS Lane Panel and Paint is one of the longest panel beating shops in New Zealand. With more than 55 years of experience in the automotive industry, we can assure that your car body repairs are on the right hands! Plan your visit, book your appointment today!