Basically, an auto body shop repairs a damaged automobile. This is different from fixing a car that is not operating properly mechanically. The damage to the car is not related to a mechanical failure, but is caused by either a collision or by neglect. The most common cause is collision. Old and abandoned cars may suffer body damage due to rust, but it is the accident that causes a collision that is the main source of work for an auto body shop.

The services provided by an auto body shop tend to vary. Some specialize in certain types of fixes while others focus on other areas. Regardless of their specialty, most auto body shops provide some basic, uniform services. These can include things such as repainting a car. If you have dings and scratches, nearly every shop will be able to handle them for you. All shops should be able to handle a major damage situation resulting from an accident where you were innocently smashed into by that jerk! Most shops can also do restoration work where they take your ?mature? car and give it the once over to make it gleam again.

Nothing ruins your week more than getting in an accident. You are going to be without your car for a while. So, what does the auto body shop do with it while it is gone? Well, the first step will be to analyze the damage looking from the interior out. Structural problems are identified and fixed first. After that, the body panels are checked. Most cars have detachable panel systems that allow for relatively easy replacement. After the panels are replaced, the car is sent for painting. Painting can be a touchy thing with older cars. A good painter will be an artist. Why? They must match the new paint to the old paint on your car. It can be tricky after a few years of wear and tear in the sun.

These three things, glass replacement, repainting, and mechanical repair are often done in the auto body shop. In some cases, they may be done in separate shops that specialize in one of the areas. This will depend on the size of the shop, and the expertise of the employees. In the past, smaller shops that were often one man operations were more common. The current trend has been toward integrated shops that provide complete service under one roof.

At the end of the day, a good auto body shop is like a cosmetic surgeon. Regardless of the effects of time or more immediate damage from a car accident, they can return your car to its desired form. After all, isn't that what you really want?