Beautifying Your Car With A New Paint Job

Posted on: 18 September 2015

If your car has some damage and needs repairs, then you might have some big bills coming your way. To make those bills a little smaller and more manageable, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Replace vs Repair

Deciding whether to repair or replace the damaged parts can have a huge impact on your wallet. Depending on the level of damage, replacement might just be much cheaper in general, even if you replace the existing part with the exact same type of part, from the same manufacturer. This is because certain types of damage are incredibly costly to repair, in time, labor, money, or any combination of the above. Simply tearing out the old part and putting in a new part can be much easier for the auto shop, and thus cheaper for you.

The main problem here is that it can be very difficult to identify the severity of damage as a consumer. What looks like a small, easily repairable crack could actually be indicative of extensive internal damage that is incredibly difficult to fix. If you have a friend that knows about cars, ask them to take a look and tell you how serious the damage is.

New vs Used vs Aftermarket Parts

If you do decide to replace, then you will need to decide what kind of parts you want. New parts will naturally be the most expensive, but also tend to be reliable. If you want a cheaper option, then used or refurbished parts are good bets. However, they might not have extensive warranties and might have quite a bit of wear and tear on them.

Aftermarket parts are somewhere in the middle, with a wide range of value and reliability. With aftermarket parts, it is exceptionally important that you find an aftermarket brand that is trustworthy and reliable. Aftermarket parts aren't always held to the same standards as manufacturer parts, so you need to be careful.

Insurance and Rentals

Before committing to a repair shop, you should consult your insurance company. They can direct you to a local, reliable repair shop and explain exactly what repairs are covered, depending on the nature of the damage and accident. 

Finally, you should take a look at the additional services offered by any repair shop you consider. Some offer rental services that can help you get around while your car is getting work done. Some shops even provide rentals for free.

To learn more, contact a repair shop like Franks Auto Body Inc.