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How to Be Sure You Have Chosen the Right Panel Beater

Choosing the right panel beater can be difficult. However, it is essential to be aware of the following to ensure you are dealing with genuine industry professionals.

1. Know the Timeline

If you’re like most drivers, then there’s a good chance your vehicle is essential to your livelihood. You drive it to and from work every day, as well as use it for leisure. Without it, your daily life becomes more challenging to maintain. Basically, you need your vehicle to be adequately repaired and on the road.

Of course, you also want your panel beater to do a thorough job. The time it takes to repair your vehicle will vary depending on the collision and the extent of the damage, as well as the availability of necessary parts. However, a reputable panel repair garage will be transparent with you about these aspects. Ask your potential repair provider about the timeline of the repair.

2. Ask the Garage if They Use Genuine Parts

If you’ve noticed that one of your quotes is much lower than the others you have received, this may be because the parts the company is using are non-genuine, inferior parts. Ensure that your panel beaters use genuine, quality parts, so you know your vehicle will be properly restored.

Genuine parts are manufactured to exact specifications by the original equipment manufacturer. They function effectively, last longer than off-brand parts and fit the vehicle perfectly. When repairing something as vital as your car, it’s hard to justify using anything less than manufacturer-quality parts.

However, there can be exceptions. It’s also worth noting that some panel restoration services may install lower-quality parts without disclosing this in the price, allowing them to increase their margins. This is highly unethical, but it does happen. Ask your repair company in advance if the parts are genuine, and don’t settle for anything less.

3. Is the Quote Tailored to Your Car?

With so many models, makes and vehicle types on the road, it’s safe to say there’s no such thing as a simple, one-size-fits-all approach to panel repairs. Even so, some repair companies will attempt to sell pre-configured packages instead of tailoring the quote to your vehicle.

You’re well within your rights as a consumer to enquire if they’ve ever worked on your particular model before. This is especially vital for top-end luxury vehicles, which require more expensive, higher-quality parts and are usually more challenging to repair.

4. Enquire About Paint Used

Once the dents have been beaten out and the panels have been selected, a new coat of paint will need to be applied. But some panel beaters use poor-quality paint. Ensure your repair company is using a high-quality paint to go over your vehicle. Do your research and don’t settle for anything less than the best, as poor quality paints will only fade and become discoloured with time.