Many people would look at this distinction and wonder what the difference is, but collision and auto body repair actually differs greatly from automotive repair and maintenance.
In essence, an auto body technician is somebody who repairs the aesthetic features of a car. This would include repairing damage to the exterior of the car, fixing paint jobs and so forth.
An auto mechanic, on the other hand, is somebody who focuses more on the mechanical workings of a car. They might be responsible for fixing issues with the engine, brakes or anything else that has to do with how a car runs mechanically.
Both are auto technicians but they perform different tasks. So which one should you choose? The answer to that question largely depends on what you need done.
Auto Body Technicians
If you’ve been involved in an accident and your vehicle sustained considerable body damage, then you’ll need to take it to an auto body mechanic. They’ll be able to fix the damage and make your car look like new again. Additionally, if you’re looking to have a custom paint job done on your car, you’ll need to go to an auto body shop.
An automotive technician is not usually responsible for fixing major mechanical issues with a car. If there’s something wrong with your engine, for example, you’ll likely need to take your car to an automotive mechanic.
Start looking for auto body shops if your vehicle has:
- Dents
- Scratches
- Cracks
- Rust
- Major body damage
If your car has sustained considerable body damage, then you’ll need to take it to an auto body technician. If you’re looking for a custom paint job, you’ll also need to go to an auto body technician. However, if your car has any major mechanical issues, you’ll need to take it to an auto mechanic.
Auto Mechanics
If you’re having trouble with your car’s performance, then you might want to take it to an auto mechanic. They’ll be able to identify and fix the issue, getting your car running like new again.
Additionally, if you need maintenance work done on your car—for example, an oil change or a new filter—then you’ll need to go to an auto mechanic. Auto mechanics are experts at performing routine maintenance tasks on cars.
Start looking for auto repair shops if:
- You’re experiencing major performance issues.
- You need routine maintenance done.
- You’re not sure what’s wrong with your car.
Conclusion
Both auto body technicians and auto mechanics service two crucial roles in the automotive industry, but they are not interchangeable.
In short, automotive technicians focus on repairing and restoring a car’s bodywork. This includes fixing dents, scratches, and other damage. They may also perform paint work on a car. Auto mechanics, on the other hand, focus on the mechanical workings of a car. They’ll be able to fix issues with the engine, the transmission and other parts of the car.
If you find an auto repair shop that also does body work, you’re in luck, but you’re unlikely to find this with a normal auto repair shop. If your vehicle has suffered both auto body damage and has mechanical problems, you may need to take it to two different specialists.