Body shops typically run the gamut from simple back-alley booth to sophisticated facility with laser-based measurement, high-tech sonar, robots, and electric eyes to scan, measure, repair damages and perform electronic alignment. Some stores determine colors by fixed formulas or some only with the Mk.1 eyeball, and others use computers combined with digital scanners to detect even the slightest color variation. To fully protect the environment, you should find a store that uses filtered waste disposal, has recycling program and imposes an environmentally friendly work procedure, although some states or countries don’t consider them as requirement. Use these tips to choose the best body shops for your car:
- Look around the place to see if they mask or remove – locks, trim, rubber, chrome, door frames, handles to prevent even a drop of paint from getting on them.
- Check the sides of the finished cars. The light reflected by the repaired surfaces can indicate whether they are shiny and smooth. Does the color perfectly match the rest of the car?
- Get at least three bids from three different body shops. Each bid must include a detailed list of all the parts that need to be replated or replaced.
- Ask the mechanic, manager or owner these questions:
- Do you use latest high tech equipments? If your vehicle is badly damaged and covered by insurance, choose the most sophisticated option you can find. If the damage is relatively minor and you pay it with your own money, an adequate job with a more traditional method and equipment to lower the price may be sufficient.
