10 Signs of Body Repairs on a Car Every Buyer Must Know
Uneven paint or panel gaps are common signs of body repairs on a car. But the story doesn’t end here. There are many hidden signs that show your car has been repaired.
The good news? You don’t need to be a mechanic. With a few simple checks, which you will learn later in the blog, you can spot most of the body repairs yourself.
If you are looking for quality car paint repair in Perth, Swan Smash Repairs is here to help you with a track record of trusted results.
In this blog, we will explore these clues in detail so you can easily spot them before buying a car. Let’s go.
Importance of Good Body Repairs
Sometimes, repairs are done in a hurry just to make the car look good enough to sell. For example, if you do a quick car repair after a crash, you might only repaint one panel instead of fixing the whole structure properly. Bad body repair leads to the following problems:
- Lower resale value
- Hidden structural damage
- Misaligned doors or panels
- Rust forming under poor paint
Common Reasons Cars Get Body Repairs
As we are discussing repairs, it is important to mention that not every car that is repaired is bad. Cars get repaired for many normal reasons. Let’s discuss some of them:
Minor Accidents
A small parking accident or bumper hit can cause dents. You can fix these through auto repair car services at local workshops.
Scratches and Cosmetic Damage
Sometimes a branch, a shopping trolley, or a careless driver scratches your car.
To overcome this, you can do a simple car scratch repair to make the paint look new again.
Bigger Collision Damage
In serious crashes, doors, bumpers, or panels get replaced. These types of body repairs of the car are more serious and should always be inspected carefully.
ALSO READ: Tips for Car Maintenance to Avoid Costly Repairs
Now, let’s go through the actual checks you can do when you stand next to the car.
10 Signs a Car Has Had Body Repairs
One of our clients in Perth once bought a used hatchback that looked perfect online. Later, when he parked it in the sunlight, he noticed the front door paint was slightly darker. Our mechanic confirmed the car had accident repairs that were never disclosed. So, having knowledge of these signs is a must to avoid any mishap.
Have a look at these practical clues that mechanics and inspectors look for to detect car body repairs.
1. Paint Colour Looks Different
Walk around the car slowly and look at the doors, bonnet, and bumper. Do they all have the same colour?
If one panel looks slightly darker or lighter, it may have been repainted after damage.
2. Uneven Panel Gaps
Look at the spaces between:
- Doors
- Bonnet
- Boot
- Fender panels
These gaps should be equal on both sides, and if one side is wider or tighter, it means the panel was removed and reinstalled after a repair.
3. Overspray on Rubber or Plastic
Overspray means tiny paint dots appearing where paint shouldn’t be. So, if you find paint in these places:
- Window rubber seals
- Plastic trims
- Headlights
- Door handles
It shows that the car was repainted. Because factory paint jobs don’t leave paint on these parts.
4. Rough or Wavy Paint Texture
Factory paint feels smooth and even. Run your hand gently across the car’s surface.
If one door feels rough or bumpy, it would have been repainted. This uneven texture is called the “orange peel effect”.
5. Visible Paint Edges
Open the doors and check the edges. If you see a line where the paint suddenly stops or overlaps, it can be from masking tape used during repainting. Professional repairs hide these lines well, but cheaper jobs leave them behind.
6. Doors or Bonnet Don’t Close Smoothly
Open and close each door and do the same for the bonnet and boot.
If they feel stiff, misaligned, or sit unevenly when closed. It indicates the frame had been repaired incorrectly.
7. Look for Body Filler
Panel beaters use filler to smooth dents before repainting. To detect this, one trick is the magnet test. Slide a small magnet along the panel. If it suddenly stops sticking properly, this indicates there is a filler under the paint.
READ MORE: Top 9 Questions to Ask Your Panel Beater
8. Check Bolts Under the Bonnet
Open the bonnet. Look at the bolts holding the fenders and panels.
If you see scratches or tool marks on the bolts, it means someone had removed the panels during repairs.
9. Check Reflections on the Paint
To check this, stand a few metres away and look at the reflections on the car.
- Straight reflections mean straight panels.
- Wavy reflections mean the panel was repaired or filled before repainting.
10. New Part on an Old Car
If you are buying a used car and you notice:
- One brand new headlight
- A shiny new bumper
- One fresh door panel
And the rest of the car looks old; this could mean it was replaced after damage.
Simple Tools That Help Detect Body Repairs
There is no need to buy expensive equipment. These few small tools can be beneficial in detecting body repairs.
Paint Thickness Gauge
This device measures the thickness of paint layers.
If one panel has much thicker paint, it means that it has been repainted.
Small Magnet
Body filler weakens magnetic attraction. So they are great for detecting filler under the paint.
Phone Flashlight
Shining light at an angle will be very helpful in revealing scratches and uneven paint surfaces.
Step-by-Step Way to Inspect a Car
When you arrive to see a used car, follow this simple order.
- Walk Around the Car
Look at the car from different angles and lighting. - Check Paint Consistency
Look for mismatched colour or shiny panels. - Inspect Panel Gaps
Compare the gaps on both sides of the car. - Open Everything
Open the door, or bonnet, and make sure everything closes smoothly. - Look Under the Bonnet
Check bolts, welds, and panel edges for signs of repairs.
After taking the above steps, you will have an idea of many repairs. But if you want to take the inspection to another level. You should consider a professional inspection.
When You Should Get a Professional Inspection
If you notice suspicious signs, it’s better to book a pre-purchase inspection.
A qualified mechanic will check:
- Structural damage
- Chassis alignment
- Hidden repair work
- Safety issues
This extra step will definitely save you thousands of dollars.
Swan Smash Repairs | Vehicle repairs made easy
If your car has been in a crash or needs repairs, come to Swan Smash Repairs. We are based in Welshpool, WA. Here we are offering repairs, panel beating, 24/7 towing and much more.