Common Types of Auto Body Damage and How We Fix Them

From accidents to vandalism to exposure to the elements, there are many different types of damage your vehicle may face. Fortunately, Columbia Collision Repairs can fix any type of auto body damage your vehicle sustains, whether someone hits your car with their door in a parking lot or you’re involved in a major collision. Our highly-trained and certified staff can repair any type of vehicle and any type of damage. Take a closer look at the common types of auto body damage in Surrey, BC, and the techniques we use to bring your vehicle back to like-new condition.

Front-end auto body damage from a collision, example of repair services provided in Surrey BC

Common Types of Auto Body Damage

  • Dents and Dings – Dents and dings are the most common forms of auto body damage. They are more than just cosmetic issues, as dents can worsen over time and diminish the resale value of your vehicle. In some cases, dents may also be accompanied by structural damage, so you should always seek professional care whenever you notice a blemish on your vehicle. Dents may occur due to loose debris on the road, parking lot damage, fender benders and other accidents, or hail damage.
  • Scratches and Paint Damage – Your vehicle’s paint isn’t just there for aesthetics. Vehicle paint protects the underlying structure of your vehicle, so scratches and paint damage make your vehicle more vulnerable to rust and structural damage. Your vehicle is designed to stand up to the elements, but direct impacts may leave their mark with scratches, buff marks, and blemishes. You may also see damage to your paint job after years of exposure to the elements, which can cause fading.
  • Cracked or Broken Bumpers – Bumpers are designed to absorb the force of an impact in a head-on or rear-end collision. When they are damaged, they should be repaired or replaced right away to ensure the safety and structural integrity of your vehicle.
  • Frame Damage – Major collisions can cause the frame of your vehicle to warp or bend. This type of damage is serious, and you should not drive your vehicle until it has been professionally repaired.
  • Windows or Windshield Damage – Windows may break due to break-ins, vandalism, collisions, or an unfortunate encounter with a stray rock or debris on the highway. Your windshield is made from laminated glass, so it may remain intact when it is cracked or broken, but your vehicle’s windows are likely made from tempered glass, which will shatter upon impact.

How We Fix Auto Body Damage

Columbia Collision Repairs provides full-service auto body damage repair for major and minor collisions, as well as other types of vehicle damage like vandalism or an attempted break-in. We use the latest tools, techniques, and equipment to provide precise, reliable repairs that restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. Here’s a closer look at the types of work our trained and certified auto body repair technicians perform at our shop:

  • Dent Repair – Our dent repair services include paintless dent removal, traditional dent repair, and crease dent repair. Paintless dent removal is a quick and affordable process that is perfect for repairing minor dents or dings that have not scratched your vehicle’s paint. Traditional dent repair and crease dent repair are more complex, but our team has extensive experience with these methods and can make it like the dent was never there. Often, dents don’t just affect the surface of the vehicle, so we will perform a complete assessment of the damage and recommend the right type of dent repair for your needs.
  • Paint Restoration – If your vehicle’s paint is damaged, you might be worried about achieving an exact match. We work with numerous distributors to have access to every colour available, and we utilize state-of-the-art application techniques and sealing technologies to ensure a seamless finish.
  • Bumper Repair – Different types of damage will warrant different types of bumper repair. We can provide dent removal, bumper replacement, or bumper painting, and we can reset airbag sensors and warning lights so that your vehicle remains safe on the road.
  • Frame Straightening – In major collisions, it is common for the vehicle frame to become bent out of shape. Frame straightening is a highly specialized type of auto body damage repair in which the frame is adjusted with high-powered hydraulic equipment to restore its original shape and integrity.
  • Auto Glass Replacement – Whether your auto glass was damaged in a collision or due to a chip that’s grown to a major crack, we can fix it. We provide windshield repair and replacement, as well as replacement of windows and rear windshields.
  • Mechanical Repairs – Your vehicle may have mechanical issues due to an accident, such as suspension or steering problems. We can provide the repairs you need under one roof, so your car will be ready to drive when it leaves our shop.

Why Professional Repair Matters

Auto body repair is not a DIY job. If you find yourself Googling “how to fix auto body damage,” you should instead search for a local repair shop that can handle your vehicle repair needs. Improper collision repairs can lead to even more damage that becomes even more expensive to fix.

Tips to Prevent Auto Body Damage

There are many steps you can take to prevent auto body damage. Keep the following tips in mind:

  • Park in a garage or covered area when possible.
  • Always follow local speed limits and traffic laws.
  • Do not drive impaired.
  • Wash and wax your vehicle regularly to protect its paint.
  • Avoid parking next to large vehicles—try to park in less busy areas and keep empty spaces next to your vehicle.
  • Do not drive during major storms.

Get Your Car Back to Pre-Accident Condition

Auto body damage happens. We can fix it. Contact Columbia Collision Repairs today or visit our shop for an estimate. No appointment is necessary.

Auto Body Damage Repair FAQs

How long will my car be in the shop?
Repair timelines can vary dramatically, so we will provide an estimate for your repair time when we assess your vehicle. Auto body repair may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Can I choose where my vehicle is repaired after an accident?
Yes, in British Columbia, you have the right to choose where you want your vehicle repaired. Your insurance company cannot make you go to a specific repair shop.