Accidents happen. We’ve all been there- whether it’s a minor fender bender in the grocery store parking lot or a more serious collision on the highway avoiding deer, road mishaps are almost inevitable in the Great White North. The good news is, with the right tools, a bit of knowledge, and a little elbow grease, you can tackle most collision repairs right in your own garage.
Accidents, from small dings to big cracks, will leave your ride looking less than stellar. But the team at Central Alberta Paint & Supply has everything you need to fix the most common small accident collision repairs without blowing the budget at a body shop. Let’s dive into frequent collision repairs Canadian drivers will likely experience and how to fix them yourself at home!
What You Need to Repair These Common Collision Damages
1. Autobody Repair
Basic autobody repair can do wonders for minor scratches and dings. Start by sanding the damaged area, applying primer, and then painting- you’ll need sandpaper, primer, matching paint, and clearcoat. Make sure to blend the new paint with the old to avoid noticeable patches. If you’re unsure how to match your paint, the team at CAPS can help you out with that, too!
2. Paintless Dent Repair
If you’ve got a dent without paint damage, paintless dent repair (PDR) is your best bet. Using specialized tools, you can massage the dent out from the panel’s backside, keeping your original paint intact to save you time and money. Kits for PDR include various tools to push the dent out and a glue gun for pulling, making this repair easy to prep for AND complete.
3. Bumper Replacement and Repair
Bumpers are designed to absorb impact, so they often bear the brunt of a collision. Modern bumpers are often fastened with just a few bolts, making replacement a breeze- just remember to order the correct part for your vehicle’s make and model. If your bumper isn’t a total write-off, you can repair cracks and bends with a plastic welding repair kit or even just the right epoxy.
4. Paint Repair
Chips and scratches in your paint job are inevitable on Canadian roads. To fix them, you’ll need a high-quality touch-up paint kit that matches your car’s colour (the CAPS experts can help with that!). Clean the area thoroughly, apply your paint in thin layers, and finish with a clear coat to seal everything in. For deeper gouges, sanding and priming may be necessary before you can apply paint.
5. Body Filler
Body filler is essential for larger dents, gouges, and imperfections. After smoothing out the dent or gouge as much as possible, mix and apply the filler to the damaged area, let it cure, sand it down to blend with the surrounding surface, and then paint over it. Body filler is a staple for DIY repairs of all kinds, giving you professional results without a body shop’s hefty price tag.
6. Frame Straightening
If your car’s frame is bent after a collision, it can affect everything from alignment to handling. While frame straightening is usually best left to the pros due to the precision and equipment required, minor adjustments can sometimes be made at home with frame straightening kits. Just be cautious, as an improperly aligned frame can lead to bigger problems down the road.
7. Glass Replacement and Repair
Cracked or shattered glass is a common outcome of many collisions. For minor chips or cracks, a glass repair kit can stop the damage from spreading. For larger breaks, full glass replacement might be necessary, and most auto glass comes pre-cut and ready to install. You’ll need a glass replacement kit, adhesive, and possibly an extra pair of hands to ensure proper installation.
8. Wheel Alignment
Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear and poor handling, so this might be one of the repairs to leave to a professional. However, you can do a basic alignment at home using a tape measure and some patience or use alignment tools to adjust the camber, caster, and toe of the wheels. A proper alignment can be tricky, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
9. Panel Replacement
If a collision has damaged your car’s doors, fenders, or panels beyond repair, replacement is the best option. Most panels are bolted or welded on, so with the right tools, you can swap out a damaged panel for a new one; this involves removing the damaged panel, prepping the new one, and reinstalling it. Make sure to match the replacement panel to your vehicle’s make and model for the best fit.
10. Car Detailing
After mastering your repairs, a thorough detailing job can be the last step to make your car look like new. Wash, wax, and polish your car to restore its original exterior beauty, and don’t forget the interior, either! Final detailing not only makes your car look great and helps hide its recent repair work but also helps protect any new paint and patches, helping them last longer.
Let CAPS Help You Get Back on the Road After a Collision
Doing minor collision repairs at home can save you money while still delivering professional results with the right products and techniques. Whether you need tools, paint, or replacement parts to get your vehicle back in top shape, Central Alberta Paint & Supply offers a wide range of high-quality repair products and tools to ensure you have everything you need to make your car look good as new.
From autobody repair kits to detailing supplies and every step in between, CAPS has you covered. Visit one of our locations or contact our team of experts today to stock up on everything you’ll need to get your ride road-ready. It’s time to roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and bring your car back to life!