Auto Repair or Auto Body: Which Car Garage Do You Need?
Car care can be tricky, not to mention a downright pain. Driving along and suddenly noticing that your car isn’t driving properly naturally fills all motor owners with a sense of dread. But do you need an auto repair garage or an auto body shop? It's easy to get confused!
That's why we're here to break it down for you. We'll discuss what each type of garage does, the specific issues they handle and how to figure out which one is best for your situation. Keep reading to learn more and ensure you’re prepared for the next time you require vehicle repairs.
What is an Auto Repair Garage?
An auto repair garage focuses on engine and mechanical-related issues. This includes diagnostics, maintenance and repair work. Essentially, mechanics at an auto repair shop predominantly work with the internal aspects of a vehicle, rather than the external, for example issues relating to the:
- Clutch
- Brake pads
- Engine
- Suspension
- Electric
Typically, it is an auto repair garage that you will go to for general maintenance and if there are issues with the way your car is driving.
Things They Can Fix
Below are some more detailed examples of the routine maintenance and mechanical repairs of what an auto repair garage can do for you.
Engine Repairs
Mechanics at auto repair shops can identify and fix issues with your vehicle’s engine configuration. They will start by performing initial checks and inspections to diagnose the problem with your engine. From there, they will take the necessary actions to fix the issue at hand.
This could range from replacing parts like faulty spark plugs or worn belts, to fully disassembling and rebuilding the engine, ensuring it is rebuilt to factory specifications. Upon repair, they will perform final inspection checks to ensure that the fixed engine is clean and properly functioning.
Oil Changes
For most cars, it’s generally advised to have the oil changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, although the frequency is dependent on certain factors such as your car make and model, the age of your car, the type of oil used, and your typical driving conditions.
During an oil change, the mechanic will drain the old oil in your vehicle, remove and replace the oil filter, then refill the engine with fresh oil - ensuring the correct oil is used for your vehicle.
Tyre Servicing
Whether you’re having a tyre repair or tyre replacement, an auto repair garage can help. Technicians will check your tyres for signs of wear or damage, as well as check the pressure and tread depth of your tyres to ensure they reach the legal limit and are safe to drive on.
As well as repairing punctures or fitting new tyres, they can also check aspects such as wheel alignment and balance, both of which are equally important for tyre health.
MOT Testing
Whilst not all garages will offer this, some auto repair garages may also be licensed to carry out MOT testing. This includes checking various aspects of your vehicle, predominantly focusing on safety and environmental standards, to conclude whether your vehicle is safe to drive on public roads.
During an MOT test, a qualified technician will look at the following:
- Lights and signalling
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Suspension
- Steering
- Body, structure and attachments
- Seat belts and airbags
What is an Auto Body Garage?
Whilst an auto repair garage looks at internal issues, an auto body garage generally concerns external and cosmetic issues with your vehicle. They specialise in the repair and restoration of the external shell and aesthetics of a vehicle, i.e. its body. For example, this includes issues such as:
- Damaged paintwork
- Dents
- Structural damage
Typically, you would go to an auto body garage if you’ve scratched or dented your car, or have been in a minor accident that has damaged the frame of your vehicle.
Things They Can Fix
Below are some more detailed examples of what an auto repair garage can do for you.
Scratched Paint Buffing
Whether your vehicle has been subject to vandalism or you’ve accidentally caught your car against something whilst driving (e.g. a fence or bollard), scratched paintwork and scuff marks can be an unsightly result that can also affect the value of your car. Not only that, but if you lease your vehicle, then this could result in financial repercussions upon returning it if not fixed.
An auto body shop can buff away scratches and scuffs to improve the appearance of your vehicle’s paintwork. They can then go over this with specialist vehicle paint that is colour matched to your vehicle, further making any scratch or scuff marks appear inconspicuous.
Dent Removal
Dents can occur for a number of reasons; minor dents may be caused by flying road debris or from car park mishaps (e.g. unattended trolleys or opening car doors), whilst collisions can result in more severe dents.
Both minor and major dents can, however, be removed. The technicians at auto body shops have access to specialist tools that allow them to manipulate the metal framing of your car and return it to its original shape. Depending on the severity of the dent, either a paintless or traditional method might be used.
Chipped Windscreens Repairs
Chipped windscreens are incredibly common and many times are unavoidable. For example, you could simply be driving down a road and a stone or rock can be kicked up from the car in front of you and chip your windscreen.
Thankfully, they can, more often than not, be easily fixed at an auto body garage. Here, an epoxy or acrylic adhesive will be injected into the chip, which is designed to bond with the glass of your windscreen, and cured with a UV light to seal it, after which it will be polished to restore clarity and will look as good as new.
For cracks that are too large to repair, then a windscreen replacement may be carried out instead.
Which Garage Services Are Best for Your Needs?
