When people think of Panel Beating, they think of someone that is fixing up a crushed car or removing a dent from a body panel of a vehicle, ‘a car in well working order who’s only problem is that it requires a bigger paint plan’. Then we go and work on those panels with a hammer and a dolly, knocking out the dent or filling the smashed area back up, then re-spraying the panel and all is good with the world. If it was only that simple. Not only is panel beating an art it also has played a part in vehicle’s safety.
Panel Beaters are the solution to the dented car problem. They are the people who repair the fantastic looking cars which you see on the roads after they’ve been hit. They are commonly referred to as body repairers and their job description involves ensuring cars regain their original factory make after a damage has been done on them. Their work goes well beyond getting out a dent or two. Cars are designed with the purpose of energy distribution of an impact inflicted. A slight damage to a car could lead to negative implications on energy distribution. Panel Beaters who understand the engineering behind your specific car make would take maintenance of structural integrity very seriously after an accident. Structural integrity is what keeps your car a portion of the metal, and allows it to protect you.
Crumple Zones and Panel Beating
Crumple zones in a vehicle is a part of the vehicle that is designed and constructed to function by deforming and crumpling in a controlled number of ways, thus absorbing much of the energy from the impact during collision. If a panel beater works on a vehicle they must make sure the crumple zones would work otherwise the panel beater would not be very skilled. Skilled technicians who have the tools and the correct materials will repair the crumple zones to the way they would need to be.
The seal and fit of windshields and window fittings
There is a growing trend toward removing and reinstalling windows and windshields during panel beating, and this is often necessary. The reasons for removing the glass components are many, however, it is imperative that they are re-fitted exactly as per manufacturer’s method. Incorrect fitting or sealant can cause water leaks, wind noise and most importantly, structural rigidity issues for the windscreen. Many late model cars rely on the windscreen for structural rigidity and integrity, particularly in the event of a rollover. Expert panel beaters re-fit panels, windows and windshields so that they are perfectly aligned, with unnoticeable panel gaps.
Suspension and Alignment
Suspension and Alignment is the process of adjusting or modifying the angles of the wheels. The purpose of these adjustments is to reduce tire wear, and to ensure that vehicle travel is straight and true (without "pulling" to one side). Alignment refers to an adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension - the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It is not an adjustment of the tires or wheels themselves. The key to proper alignment is adjusting the angles of the tires which affects how they make contact with the road.
Continuous training and certification will become imperative for Panel Beaters because of the rate at which technology is changing in todays vehicles. Keeping up with the latest repair techniques and materials will ensure every repair meets the highest safety and quality standards. Finally, the materials used during the repair are just as important as the technician who repaired the car. An Expert panel beater use high quality metal, paints and finishing products. This is not just to make your car look good again but also to maintain the cars safety features.
In conclusion, expert panel beating is vital when it comes to the safe repair of your vehicle as it fixes more than just its appearance. Instead, panel beating returns every aspect of your vehicle’s safety to how it was. So really, by choosing a panel beater who is knowledgeable and experienced, you are not only paying for something that looks pretty, you’re paying for the safety and wellbeing of yourself and your passengers.