Auto body shops have the specialized knowledge and tools to repair structural damage that can cause a vehicle to perform poorly or not return to its original state. They can also decide whether a car is salvageable by carefully inspecting and assessing its condition.
Choosing the right shop can save drivers from paying high prices for poor-quality work that doesn’t solve their problem.
Frame Machines
Whether they call it a frame machine, a frame straightener, or a chassis machine, this equipment is the cornerstone of any modern body shop. Without them, you can’t repair structural damage to a vehicle or restore it to its original condition.
The frame machines elevate the damaged car on movable upright posts and use chains to pull it back into alignment. They also use laser technology and automation to help technicians find the location of damage, allowing them to repair it quickly and accurately.
Full-frame cars could be shimmed into alignment with a tram gauge, tape measure, and hanging frame gauges, but sheet metal unibody cars require exact measurements to drive correctly. Dedicated fixtures, universal fixture systems, and electronic measurement systems locate key component areas for fast and accurate repair.
A well-designed and maintained frame machine will improve your shop’s capabilities to save customers money and boost your bottom line.
Trained Technicians
The physical parts of a car – bumpers, body panels, glass, and other visible parts that aren’t part of the engine – are repaired in an auto body shop Denver CO. These are the components involved in a collision or vehicle accident. A trained technician can restore them to their pre-accident condition, making your car look as good as new.
Body repair technicians must have the right equipment and tools to perform their work. This includes frame machines to straighten warped frames, welding equipment, and sanding and spray booths. Mechanics usually don’t paint, but body shops do this often and have the space and talent to make it happen.
Investing in training for your body technicians helps reduce attrition rates. Keeping them updated on new techniques, methods, and approaches will save them time and energy and improve the quality of the repairs they can deliver.
Paint Booths
Painting vehicles and parts require a controlled environment to prevent fire hazards and ensure smooth, quality finishes. An ideal paint booth enables shops to operate efficiently and boost vehicle turnaround times.
A shop’s sizing needs should help determine its best booth, its production capacity, and the volume of work. The type of vehicle(s) and parts being painted will also factor into this decision. Ideally, the booth should have adequate clearance for access on all sides of the painted item(s). This will enable optimum production and better finish quality and maintain airflow.
Some shops opt for single-skin paint booths with one layer of steel walls, which are great for low-volume operations. However, dual-skin booths with two layers retain heat more effectively and can offer greater temperature control. They can also be used with waterborne paints, requiring shorter curing than solvent-based coatings. These are considered more environmentally friendly than traditional automotive paints.
Customer Service
Auto body shops are primarily concerned with structural and cosmetic repairs necessary to keep a vehicle presentable, safe, and with a preserved resale value. They do not repair mechanical systems or inspect electrical wiring. Instead, they specialize in repairing a vehicle’s damaged frame, doors, bumpers, fenders, and glass.
Customers evaluate various criteria for an auto body shop, including reputation, customer reviews, and pricing. They may choose a shop that provides a superior estimating experience compared to another that neglects this vital aspect of their business.
An excellent way to differentiate your auto body shop from other shops in the area is to create a web presence with content that provides real value to potential customers. This includes blog posts, articles, and white papers that help car owners decide who they should trust with their vehicle repairs. This valuable information positions you as a trusted resource for your audience and can boost traffic and conversions.