Have you ever tried talking to your body shop in Austin mechanic only to find yourself nodding to terminologies that make no sense? You are not alone. Like every other profession, auto repair has its own set of jargon and terminologies, which can be very confusing to someone with no experience in the field.
So, if you are planning to visit a body shop in Austin, keep reading to learn the fourteen terms that will help you navigate your way through the auto body repair process.
1. Aftermarket Vehicle Body Parts
Not made by the vehicle manufacturer, aftermarket vehicle body parts are a more affordable replacement for vehicle malfunctions. They are the second-best option if one of the vehicle’s components is damaged. Even though the aftermarket vehicle body parts fit and function the same way as the original parts, they aren’t as reliable.
2. Bumper Repair
Bumpers play an integral role in protecting your vehicle from collision. Located in the back and front of the cars, they are manufactured to absorb shock during an accident. As the name suggests, bumper repair and replacement is the process of fixing minor and major damages to the rear and front bumper.
3. Chipping
If the stones and debris have damaged the paint of your vehicle, there’s a high chance that the body shop in Austin will recommend you a chipping procedure. While chipping, the body shop in Austin mechanic will buff out and refill chipped areas applying a fine layer of the matching paint color.
4. Direct Repair Program
Commonly known as “DRP,” a dent repair program is a contractual agreement between the body shop in Austin and the insurance company. DRP shops fix collision damage following standardized procedures and rules, including billing practices, warranty coverage, parts and materials, and repair techniques. They partner with insurance companies with the condition that they will bring in more customers.
5. Dent Repair
Dent repair is the method of removing abnormalities in the structure of the dent by hammering them out from the side or pushing them.
6. Enamel Auto Paint
Enamel auto paint can be described as colored or clear topcoat auto paint with a shiny finish. Unlike traditional vehicle paints, enamel auto paints have a semi-glossy or glossy finish, making the vehicle more appealing. Some popular brands of enamel auto paint include DupliColor, Maxx 2K, DuPont, and PPG.
7. Edge-to-Edge Repair
Edge-to-edge repair can be described as the complete body repair for vans, minivans, cars, and trucks. Unlike a vehicle touch-up or spot repair, during an edge-to-edge repair, the body shop in Austin mechanic will remove and restore or replace the entire vehicle panel.
8. Fender Repair
Located on the side of the vehicle, fenders serve aesthetic and practical functionalities. Fender repair is the process of fixing the fender-bender of the vehicle after a collision.
9. Like Kind and Quality
In the auto repair industry, it is a common practice to salvage parts of other cars and use them to repair different vehicles. While it might seem like a wise approach, it isn’t. Therefore, if your body shop in Austin mechanic says the repair part is the same and of great quality, ask them to thoroughly inspect the part and ensure that it is indeed the best fit for your vehicle’s make and model.
10. Masking
Masking is the process of covering the areas of the vehicle that aren’t supposed to be painted during the repair and maintenance process.
11. OEM
You will often hear your body shop in Austin mechanic asking whether you want OEM parts or not. OEM is an abbreviation for the term “Original Equipment Manufacturer.” These are parts manufactured by the same company that built your car. Replacing the damaged part with OEM parts ensures the top functionality of the vehicle and keeps your car in pristine condition.
12. Putty
Also known as body filler, putty is a polyester product that can be used to fill in various types of minor vehicle damages. It helps in successfully leveling out any irregularities.
13. Sealer
In order to improve the adhesion of the final paint coat, the mechanic at the body shop in Austin will apply a layer of the sealant. This will prevent the surface from corrosion and damage.
14. Sanding
Sanding is an abrasive process that smoothens the topcoat of the paint. It is also known as grit sanding, disc sanding, refinishing, automotive sanding, and paint sanding.
Contact Us If You are Looking for a Body Shop in Austin
Knowing the terminologies mentioned above will improve your communication with body shop in Austin mechanics, ensuring that you understand everything they say. This will ultimately be good for your vehicle as you will get the best services.
However, note that these are just some of the more common terms. So, if your body shop in Austin mechanic says something you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask them to explain it to you.
