Whether you have a few scratches, dings, or cracks on your car's exterior, or you've been involved in a larger accident, damage to fiberglass needs professional auto body repairs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 13 car accidents happen every single minute. Understanding what specialist technicians do for fiberglass repair can help you make informed decisions if your car or truck needs this type of work. Here's what every driver should know about fiberglass auto body repairs.

Assessing the Damage

If you discover deep gouges, holes, spiderwebs, or cracking in a fiberglass panel, then auto body repairs are probably necessary. The first step is having a shop thoroughly assess the damage to determine the best repair approach. Cosmetic issues can usually be remedied with filler, while structural damage requires fiberglass cloth and resin to mend and strengthen the area.

Matching Color and Texture

Part of a high-quality fiberglass repair job involves color-matching and blending the paint so that the fixed area is indistinguishable from the surrounding finish. Likewise, the texture of the repaired section must match the slightly porous surface of fiberglass to achieve uniformity. Expert auto body technicians have the tools and experience to mimic both the visual look and feel of the original panel.

Ensuring Good Adhesion

Another essential aspect of fiberglass repair is ensuring that layers of cloth reinforcement and body filler adhere properly to create a permanent fix. Attempting makeshift repairs with hardware store resin or shortcuts that don't adequately prep and seal the damaged surface will likely fail over time. Reputable shops use specialized primers and techniques to guarantee successful paint and finish bonding to repaired areas.

Asking About Warranties

High-quality auto body repairs should come with warranties against defects in materials and workmanship. Most shops provide warranties ranging from several years to lifelong, as long as you own the vehicle. Lifetime guarantees give you peace of mind that any problem stemming from a previous fiberglass repair will get addressed down the road.

With some inspection and inquiry, you can find an auto body shop that will provide first-rate, long-lasting fiberglass repairs for your car or truck when needed. Understanding what goes into proper assessment, preparation, reinforcement, finishing, and warranties allows you to make smart choices regarding these repairs. If your vehicle needs auto body repairs, contact Drumond Auto Body for an estimate.