Auto Body Specialties sells hundreds of auto body panels each year. Our customers often purchase them for both collision repair and vehicle restoration. You can view our selection on our online store. We carry several types of auto body panels for both new and used vehicles. Read on to learn about whether you should repair or replace these common auto body panels.

Hood Replacement or Repair

If the hood of a vehicle has been dented or crumpled in a front end impact, it will likely have to be replaced as opposed to repaired. A dented or crumpled hood is more likely to unlatch while traveling at a high rate of speed. This can obscure the driver’s vision and cause a major accident. A hood may also need to be repaired as opposed replaced if something heavy has fallen upon it and dented it.

Bumper Replacement or Repair

Bumpers are one of most common auto body parts that get damaged in collisions. Bumpers often get cracked and it is wiser to replace them as opposed to repairing them. There are exceptions to this as sometimes an epoxy and fiberglass kit may repair the damage, but it is often wiser to just replace the bumper. When a bumper suffers a crack, it’s structural integrity gets compromised.

Major paint damage on the bumper can also occur in a collision. If the bumper has been severely scratched or scraped, it has to be sanded down and then filled with a compound. After that the bumper will need to be repainted with paint that matches the vehicle exactly. All this can be a lot of work and it might be wiser to simply replace the bumper.

Bumper hooks can also get damaged in collisions. If they get damaged or broken, the bumper may not adhere to the panel, grill, and splash guard. If the hooks break because of damage, the bumper may fall off. Replacing or repairing the hooks is not an option. Once the hooks break, it is time for a new bumper.

Door Replacement or Repair

Doors often get damaged in t bone collisions. When another car hits the door, it may alter the shape of the door. This may make it difficult or impossible to close or open your door. This makes for a dangerous situation if you need to either get in your or out of your car quickly. Water can also seep in a damaged door and ruin your interior. If you’re finding either of these problems, it would be better to replace the door. It is also a good idea to replace a door if there is excessive rust from damage. Rust can affect the integrity of the metal.