Small cosmetic damage usually does not require much time to repair. A simple scratch in the paint, or a golf ball-sized dent in a panel, will take
about 4-5 days
(for the first panel, and 1-2 days extra per additional damaged panel), from dropping your car off to picking it back up, to fix.
Why does auto body work take so long?
Most large auto body
shops keep components for everyday cars in their inventory
. If this is the case, you’ll be out of parts and into labor soon. If you drive a unique vehicle or an older model car, it may take extra time to get the parts you need. An autobody professional will know who to ask and where to order from.
How long does it take to do body work on a car?
| Type of Damage Timeline | Windshield replacement one day | Minor Auto Body Work one to two days | Bumper repair/replacement one day | Replacement of internal elements one to two weeks |
|---|
How fast do body shops get parts?
While most car parts will be available
in 1-2 days or less
, sometimes they can take a week or more to get. Acquiring parts can take longer than the repair work itself!
How do I know if my body shop did the job correctly?
A good body shop
will measure the damaged area of the car and then measure the frame again after it does the repair
. The frame specs should be the same post-repair as they were before the accident. The frame spec printout is a good reference document to make sure the job has been done right.
Can a car be painted in one day?
The Timeline. Once the primer has been applied (10 to 15 minutes between each application), allow the paint to dry for about 30 to 90 minutes before applying the next coat. The process will certain take one
day
, as some paints require 24 hours to dry.
What takes the longest to fix on a car?
Replacing an Engine
People who have experienced the agony of replacing an engine, whether it’s your average Joe or a certified auto technician, will say this is the greatest challenge in any car.
How many coats of paint does a car need?
This will normally depend on the actual shop you take your car to. But generally speaking, most shops will spray
two coats of primer and two or three coats of paint
. Lower quality shops will spray two coats, while higher quality shops will spray three coats.
Can you negotiate with a body shop?
Go to the auto body shop offering the lowest price and
ask the manager for a 10 percent discount
. If the manager is unwilling to negotiate, tell him you have obtained quotes from nearby shops and will take your business to one of them unless he lowers his price. He will most likely give you a discount.
Can you refuse to pay mechanics?
Even if you are unsatisfied with the mechanic’s explanation of the difference between the estimate and the final charge, keep in mind that if you refuse to pay a repair bill — even a bill in dispute — the mechanic
has the legal right to keep your car until you pay
.
Do you pay before or after car repair?
In almost all cases,
it is not necessary to pay upfront for the work
, unless for example the auto shop has to order an expensive part that they do not normally stock. In that situation an down payment is acceptable.
How long should a body shop take?
| Type of Damage Timeline | Minor Auto Body Work one to two days | Bumper repair/replacement one day | Replacement of internal elements one to two weeks | Extensive damage to multiple parts over a month |
|---|
Do Body Shops fix mechanical issues?
A normal auto repair shop will fix engine components and related parts that wear out during normal driving, whereas
a body shop fixes the body: frame, doors, windows
, bumpers, etc. These parts aren’t involved mechanically in powering the vehicle or bringing it to a stop.
What should I check after auto repair?
- Check the appearance of the repaired area both close-up and from a distance.
- Examine the paint for color match, texture, and overspray.
- Take a test drive to check for mechanical repairs if any were required.
- Check that the vehicle is clean.
Will rain damage a freshly painted car?
The problems usually arrive when a car with fresh paint sits out in the sun with water droplets on it. If that water dries in the sun then it will leave water spotting in the paint. Just wipe the water off with a soft absorbent cloth and you should be good to go,
no harm
, no foul.
Is it worth repainting a car?
Painting (Usually) Adds Value
Having your car repainted is an investment in many ways. … If the car isn’t in good condition otherwise, repainting it may
turn out to be more expensive than the car is worth on resale
. Some insurance policies cover the cost of bodywork if the vehicle was damaged in an accident.
