30/11/2018
Auto Body vs Mechanic: What's the Difference?
When considering whether you need auto body vs mechanic repairs, many people make the mistaken assumption that mechanics are qualified to perform all auto repairs. A lot of people view cars as a pile of parts that can be screwed and bolted together by anyone with the right tools. These assumptions often lead to dissatisfaction with the repairs performed, which isn’t really fair to auto body shops or mechanics. It’s like going to a general practitioner for a facelift and being disappointed by the results.
What Does a Mechanic Do?
When a car needs repairs, especially following a collision, the first stop for most people is a mechanic. They never consider whether they need an auto body vs mechanic. For cars with no body damage, a mechanic is usually sufficient. They have the tools and expertise to remove and replace damaged components to get your car moving again. Mechanics can evaluate all of the mechanical systems, and make necessary repairs. If the vehicle doesn’t have body damage, and the owner needs an engine light checked or some engine noises looked at, a mechanic is the way to go. For anything involving the vehicle’s appearance, it’s time to move on to an auto body shop.
What Does an Auto Body Shop Do?
For cars with body and mechanical damage, an auto body shop is the best option. Like mechanics, body shops have the tools and knowledge to make the vehicle safe to operate. They can also perform the necessary body repairs to get the vehicle looking like it did before it was damaged. When it comes to auto body vs mechanic services, the body shops win hands down in the aesthetics arena. That’s because auto body repair is about much more than just removing and replacing parts. The entire appearance of the vehicle needs to be evaluated, and a holistic approach undertaken to make it look like it did before the collision. Even a low-speed collision can cause changes to the entire body of the vehicle. Panels can shift, twist, and even kink, far from the point of impact. An auto body shop can evaluate these changes, and determine the best approach to restoring the appearance of the vehicle.