Auto Body Shops Vs Auto Repair Shops

If you don’t know a lot about cars and you need some car work done, it can be confusing to know where you should go. Does an auto body shop fix brakes? Where should you go for an oil change? What about a cracked window? What do auto repair shops repair exactly?
 
Don’t worry! Friendship Paint and Body Shop is here to break down everything you need to know about the difference between an auto body shop and an auto repair shop.

Parts of a Car

It’s important to understand some basic distinctions with your car. This will help tremendously in determining where your car should go when it needs repairing.
 
To put it simply, there are two main parts to any car: the engine and the body. The engine is what makes the car run, usually located under the hood in the front of the vehicle, and the body is what holds everything together—including the passengers.
 
There are a lot more complicated features to your car, but this is what you need to know right now.

What is an Auto Body Shop?

An auto body repair shop works on—quite literally—the body of a car. But what does this mean?
 
Basically, this means that any damage to the outer frame, bumper, doors, windows, etc. will be repaired here.
 
So if you’ve been in a car accident and your bumper was dented, an auto body repair shop is where you’ll go. Or if you have scratches you want to remove, this is the place to be.
 
A body shop for a car usually consists of anything cosmetic—paint jobs, dent repairs, detailing, etc. Here are just a few possible services that an auto body shop will do:
  • Restore a vehicle after a collision
  • Repair dents
  • Restore paint
  • Replace bumpers, panels, and other non-engine parts
  • Repair or replace glass
auto body detailing

Call Friendship Paint & Body Today!

If you need collision repair in Stone Mountain GA, then call Friendship Paint & Body today! We’ll work hard to get your car in proper working condition. Call today to schedule an appointment!

What is an Auto Repair Shop?

An auto repair shop, on the other hand, focuses more on engine work. This type of shop—also known as a car mechanic—focuses on the parts of your car that wear down through normal use. Most of these, but not all, are related to the engine.
 
Basically, any repairs that have to do with wear and tear—an oil change, worn-out brake pads, leaks, etc.—will get fixed at a mechanic shop. The mechanics here will have a lot of experience in exactly how your car’s engine operates and what it specifically needs.
Auto repair shops work on such things like:
  • Replacing brakes
  • Replacing any parts that wear out through normal driving
  • Performing oil changes
  • Repairing engine components that wear out
  • Repairing other moving components
Collision Repair

What Should I Choose?

Here’s an easy way to remember where you should go if your car is having an issue:
 
If it’s out-of-the-ordinary or cosmetic, go to an auto body shop. If it’s normal wear and tear occurrence or internal, go to an auto repair shop.
 
For example, if you have hail damage, you’ll want to go to an auto body shop—it’s out-of-the-ordinary and cosmetic. On the other hand, if you’ve been driving your car normally for a while and it suddenly starts shaking, you should take it to a mechanic. That is considered normal wear and tear, and is internal.
 
There can be some exceptions to this, however. There are a few body shops that can perform engine work, even though most don’t. It’s always a good idea to call first to make sure the place you want to go to can do what you need.

Contact Us for Auto Body Repair Services

If you need a trusted auto body shop in Stone Mountian GA and the surrounding areas, give Friendship Paint and Body Shop a call! We can perform any type of auto body repair—from collision repair to paint jobs to detailing. Contact us to learn more about the services we offer and how we can best help you! We’re the best body shop for cars in Georgia!

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