Why Elmer’s Auto Body Only Uses OEM Parts

In the past, getting a car repaired for cheap was as easy as taking it down the road to a third-party mechanic. Those mechanics did not have to worry about computerized systems in your vehicle or ADAS or OEM. But such times have come and gone. Presently, automakers are pumping out advanced technologies that can help you drive better than ever before. But that means the cost of repairing cars is more complicated than before. If you do not supply your vehicle with the right parts, it could severely damage its performance. That’s why you should only go to an auto body shop that uses OEM parts.

 

What is OEM?

Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, describes vehicle parts designed by the original manufacturer that is used for collision repairs and other services. OEM is not an entirely new concept, but they are becoming more and more essential as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) evolve. Since OEM parts are designed specifically for a certain make, they are of better quality than one-size-fits-all aftermarket parts.

OEM parts also guarantee quality. The manufacturers of OEM parts certify auto body shops and require them to follow stringent procedures to maintain that qualification. If you are looking for the best items to repair your vehicle, look at OEM parts.

 

What About Aftermarket Parts?

The alternative to OEM is aftermarket parts. Many repair shops will use aftermarket or salvage parts because the insurance company asks them to. Some aftermarket parts are considered modifications, but most of the time, “aftermarket” is just a fancy way to say “used.” The main reason auto body shops will give you aftermarket parts instead of new ones is to reduce the cost. As you may imagine, this could cause problems. Aftermarket parts may not be compatible, and that can mess with the ADAS. That is why OEM parts should be your first choice.

Advantages of OEM Parts

Purchasing OEM parts for your vehicle’s repairs come with a couple of benefits. The first is knowing that the auto body shop has been certified to provide such parts. This means that the technicians have spent plenty of hours earning those credentials. Once the auto body shop has the certification, they are backed by the manufacturer to provide superior quality service. Because of this, the manufacturer works closely with the mechanics, so any questions or concerns are dealt with quickly.

OEM parts also guarantee compatibility with the vehicle and upstanding quality. That is because OEM parts are designed by the very people who made your car to begin with; every piece of equipment is identical to the original factory parts. Most OEM parts have a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, so if the product arrives with defects or damages, the manufacturer will replace it.

OEM Parts

If OEM Parts Are So Good, Why Are They So Expensive?

Even with the latest and greatest technology available, returning your car to pre-accident condition requires manpower. You need a trained technician who knows what they’re doing; how to diagnose problems, devise a plan, and execute those plans successfully are all important steps. The cost of installing OEM parts is increased because those technicians need tools and equipment for every single manufacturer they are certified in.

That means a full-service auto body shop like Elmer’s Auto Body invests thousands into their equipment to ensure you are getting the best service available. Of course, that is reflected in the cost of OEM parts and installation. Plus, ADAS sensors have to be re-calibrated, and the process is arduous. Never get your OEM installed by a third-party. This will void the warranty and put you at risk of unhanded practices.

 

Choose Elmer’s Auto Body For OEM Repairs

The best body shops are going to use OEM parts and have OEM certifications to back that up. Since the cost of obtaining OEM certifications is so high for the collision repair shop, you know that the quality of repairs and service you receive is going to be a cut above average. OEM certifications come with a lot of responsibility, too. Such auto body shops are committing themselves to regulations and supervision. Therefore, you should choose an auto body shop that shows such commitment, such as Elmer’s Auto Body.

We only use OEM parts for auto repair and never take any shortcuts. Every car receives the same uncompromising level of attention. That is why we have a community of happy customers who keep coming back. Fill out the contact form or give us a call to see what we can do for you.

What Are Your Legal Rights For Collision Repair in New Jersey?

Most vehicle owners do not know their rights. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we believe that such knowledge is power, and we want New Jersey drivers to know that they could be entitled to financial compensation for collision repair. These days, with New Jersey having some of the highest rates for auto insurance and vehicle prices, getting those costs covered is a tremendous blessing.

We understand if you are worried about repair shops raking you over the coals during such a distressing time. The truth is that, if you are seeking collision repair, you are protected by laws. If you are not aware of your rights, then auto body shops and insurance companies might try to pull a fast one on you.

Here is everything you need to know about your legal rights for New Jersey collision repair:

 

The Right To Choosing Who Repairs Your Vehicle

When your vehicle has been badly damaged in an accident, the insurance company will step in once the claim has been filed. During this time, the insurance company may try to push you towards their recommended auto body shop, also known as Direct Repair Facilities (DRP). There are agreements between preferred collision repair shops and insurance providers to save money, but this does not always work out in your favor. As a result of these partnerships, many consumers receive lower-quality repairs.

What you need to know is that the recommendations are only that—recommendations. You do not have to use your insurance provider’s auto body shop. Only trust qualified auto body shops with experienced technicians to do the job right.

 

The Right To Choose Your Repair Parts

If insurance companies could wish OEM parts out of existence, they would. Fortunately, you have the option to choose between aftermarket, salvaged, and OEM parts for your vehicle repairs—depending on the terms in your insurance policy. Yet, any respectable body shop is going to tell you this: aftermarket parts are cheaper, but they are not always better. Some are ill-fitting and not of the same quality as Original Equipment Manufacturer parts.

Every policy is different, so you will need to check. If it does not state anything against using OEM, you can ask for them. You may need to pay the difference of the cost, but at least you have peace of mind knowing that you are receiving high-quality items designed specifically for your vehicle’s make and model.

 

The Right To Coverage For All Related Expenses

No matter what happened in the accident, you are entitled to three things: the return of your vehicle to pre-accident condition, payment of any medical bills, and coverage for any further expenses as a result of the collision. In other words, insurance should pay for any dent repair, repainting, glass replacement and repair, and so on. If you were not at-fault in the accident, then you also getting the following expenses covered:

  • Reimbursement of a rental car
  • Reimbursement for personal property damage, such as your electronic devices or a child’s car seat
  • Out of pocket expenses
  • Diminished value
  • Loss of income or wages
  • Pain and suffering

 

The Right To Guaranteed Quality

Insurance companies may try to persuade you into using a DRP by saying work done at your chosen automotive repair shop is “not guaranteed.” However, any honest and trustworthy repair shop is going to provide you warranties for replacements and repairs anyway.

Quality Parts

Prohibitions Under NJ Law

Aside from the above-stated rights, you are protected by the and from any of the following actions:

  • Oral and/or written statements made by the auto repair dealer that purposely mislead the consumer.
  • False promises that influence or persuade the consumer to authorize services or maintenance of their motor vehicle.
  • Work that was done without authorization from the vehicle owner that is not clearly stated and is done outside of working hours.
  • Work that is started prior to giving the consumer a written estimate.
  • Failure to provide a consumer with documentation and receipts pertaining to any services rendered. These must be provided at the time of signing.
  • Failure to return parts that were requested.
  • Failure to record all repair work done by the automotive repair dealer for the customer. The invoice should clearly itemize every single service rendered, as well as the amount of labor and whether the parts supplied were new, used, or rebuilt.
  • Failure to provide the customer with a contract that outlines all terms and conditions.
  • Failure to post signage that informs the consumer that the auto body shop must give them a written estimate, copies of documentation and receipts, invoices, guarantees, and the right to return any replaced vehicle part.

 

Elmer’s Auto Body—Your Ally In Collision Repair

You deserve to know your rights. You also deserve the best collision repair available. Knowing what you can and cannot do, as well as what should be covered by insurance, is one step back towards normal. Along the way, make sure you choose to work with an honest and transparent auto body shop.

At Elmer’s Auto Body, every technician has certifications for OEM. You can trust us to restore your vehicle back to excellent condition. We do what is best for you and your vehicle instead of listening to the insurance companies. If you would like more information or want to schedule an appointment, pick up the phone, or fill out the contact form.

Why Is It So Hard To Find A Trustworthy Auto Shop?

In a perfect world, you could trust those who service your vehicle to do the right thing. You expect nothing but your damaged car to be returned to you in perfect condition. What you don’t suspect is that the auto body shop may be going behind your back, covering up damages, and sticking you with a more expensive repair bill. There are plenty of auto body shops that upsell and behave unethically, but that does not mean every business acts this way.

You may be wondering why it is so hard to find a trustworthy auto body shop. Don’t worry. With some research, you can find a reputable auto body shop that will be transparent and honest about vehicle repairs. Just follow the tips we have outlined for you in this article.

 

Do Some Online Investigation

As with most things people purchase these days, the internet is a wonderful tool for gathering information. Rather than going right to your favorite internet search engine, check out their mapping services, since this will help you pinpoint local businesses. Or, you could access an online database compiled by your insurance company or AAA. Such resources help you seek out auto body shops based on their rating as well. You can then cross-check these ratings with other websites, such as Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Keep in mind that solely relying on online reviews is not always the best idea. There are some companies that will pay people to write 5-star reviews about them on their testimonial section, skewing their overall rating. Sometimes, companies will remove or conceal poor ratings from their site and others to hide the fact that they have had less than satisfied customers.

So, go to multiple sources—and not just online ones, either.

 

Listen to Your Friends and Family

Any organization worth it’s salt will have people talking about it. To find a quality auto body repair shop, first, turn to friends and family. These people will be able to give you recommendations based on their experiences. Use their advice and start doing some preliminary research on those auto body shops. Some may be too far for you, but you can still look at their services, their website, and their reviews to glean some information on what you should be looking for in a local auto body shop.

Though you can ask your insurance company, remember that they play a role in the quality of repairs. Avoid shops that may be partnered with insurance companies and adjusters, since they usually go for the lowest common denominator in repairs.

 

Get More Than One Estimate

Before selecting the auto body shop you want to work with, ask for each candidate to provide you with an estimate. Quotes may vary, but if there are any extremes, such as the one appearing too cheap or too expensive, cut them out. A trustworthy auto body shop is going to use standardized quoting. This means that every quote should be about the same when it comes to the cost of parts.

Here is another reason to do some research: you need to understand the estimate. Most will outline the steps required to make the repairs and the cost of each. If you don’t understand what is required, the auto body shop may take advantage and claim they found new damages to increase the cost.

 

Interview The Mechanic

Asking the wrong questions can get you duped quickly, no matter where you are. The same thing happens in auto body shops. You gloss over the critical questions that could tell you how the business operates, and you end up slammed with the bill you didn’t expect. Get the information you need with targeted questions.

Here are some examples:

  • What kind of warranty comes with your auto body repair work? If yes, how long does the warranty last, and what is covered?
  • Will I receive calls, texts, or emails about the status of my vehicle’s car status?
  • How long do you estimate my repair to take?
  • Will the paint match the rest of my vehicle?
  • Do you use OEM parts?
  • Does the auto body shop have certifications?
  • Will you put everything in writing (estimate, contract, and payment policy)?

 

These questions help you understand whether the auto body shop is qualified and professional. For instance, the minimum warranty that should be applied to their work is one year. Anything less disqualifies the auto body shop, and you should look elsewhere. Some auto body repair shops will have lifetime warranties on some aspects, like paint.

 

Establish Trust With Your Chosen Auto Body Shop

Even with all the research and questions you ask, there may be a kernel of uncertainty that remains—and that is okay. Just make sure you address it before you hand your vehicle over to the auto body repair shop. Go for an in-person visit. When you arrive, be sure to go straight to the mechanic with any remaining questions. This is one of the most important steps in finding a respectable auto body shop because you can now speak directly to the individual who will be responsible for your car while you are gone.

Establish Trust

Trust your gut. If something does not feel right, it probably isn’t.

With your car at the shop, the technicians should be working to make you as comfortable as possible. A trustworthy auto body shop will have people keeping you informed, whether you are present or not. If you do not hear anything from the auto body shop within 1-2 hours of dropping off your car, you can give them a call to check on the progress. Also, do not be afraid to ask about seeing the repairs already completed. The mechanic should have no qualms about letting you see what they are working on or if they found any other damages when repairing your vehicle.

All of this will help establish trust. And remember, if at any time you feel you are not getting the best service, you can have your vehicle taken somewhere else. You do not have to accept any repairs you do not want or didn’t originally agree to. A good auto body shop will respect your wishes and consult with you should they find anything that would add to the original estimate.

 

Finding a Good Auto Body Shop is Possible

Yes, locating a trustworthy auto repair shop can be difficult, especially with the costs of repair, labor, and the presence of insurance companies breathing down the technicians’ necks. The best way to find a good auto body shop is to understand the process and stay alert. You can find shops that are committed to quality and do not balk at insurance companies, but you will have to call around and ask questions.

Elmer’s Auto Body is proud to say that we are an OEM certified shop with thousands of satisfied customers at every location in South Jersey. Give us a call or fill out the contact form to learn more about our services or request a consultation. We promise complete honesty and transparency.

Why Toyota Cares So Much About the Quality of Your Auto Body Repair, And So Should You

Do you have a favorite automobile maker? Ford, Chevrolet, Subaru, and others all have their followers who have been loyal for many years. One manufacturer, though, has been committed to quality repairs for a long while: Toyota. From a statistical point of view, ownership of Toyota vehicles is longer than average. The reason? Quality auto body repair. Both Toyota and Subaru have launched campaigns that focus on superior collision repair and maintenance that appeals to both new owners and loyal customers.

How did Toyota do it? They have something called a “collision repair warranty.” Today, we’re going to talk about why Toyota cares about the quality of your auto repairs and why you should as well.

 

Why Quality Auto Repair Matters

Everyone loves saving money. There is no denying that. Still, you should also be driving the best version of your vehicle. It is essential that you have the correct parts in your car. Otherwise, you will find yourself visiting the auto body shop more frequently.

Here are some reasons why you should care about the quality of auto body repair:

 

Optimal Performance

You might think that getting salvaged parts from the junkyard is a cost-effective option. It can be, but is it truly worth the risk? Cheap parts are not going to support the optimal performance of your vehicle. Some systems will even be compromised by cheaper parts and will malfunction faster. If you opt to save money and ignore the quality, it means that the higher quality parts will be working harder to compensate—and they will fail sooner. In the end, you end up getting burned for trying to save money and may even have to pay a higher price for repairs in the end.

 

Durability & Longevity

As you can imagine, cheaper items are not synonymous with a longer lifespan. In other words, cheap items are nowhere as near equatable to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality. Budget replacement parts will break faster, and you will have to pay for repairs more often than you would when paying for quality. Investing in higher quality repairs and parts is an investment in the reliability and durability of your vehicle.

Durability & Longevity

Look Out For Collision Repair Warranties

Imagine this scenario: You just get your car back from the auto body; everything is fresh, looking as good as new. But within a few days, you start to notice that there is rattling, misalignment and that the paint color is off a few shades. There is something wrong, even if you cannot put your finger on it. In the worst-case scenario, these issues will go from noticeable to progressively worse, until you can no longer ignore it.

That is when you find out that your vehicle was a victim of “cutting corners.”

Collisions are the absolute worst. Not only are you put into a life-or-death situation, but then you have to go through the arduous process of insurance claims and repairs. Even if you walked away from the accident unscathed, you were probably shaken. Getting back on the road will not feel the same for a while, and having a car that feels unsafe even after repairs is upsetting.

The expectation is that collision repair shops are going to provide quality service and workmanship. Besides, if you are bringing your vehicle to a maker’s dealership, you believe that the repairs are going to be held to the same quality as the new vehicles on the lot.

That is why Toyota decided to do something different. They didn’t want customers thinking that the car they purchased from a Toyota dealership was a lemon or “nothing but problems” from the start. Ford, Toyota, and Chrysler all did research and found that providing quality repairs builds brand loyalty; so Toyota began offering collision repair warranties.

 

What does that mean?

A collision repair warranty is a guarantee that, when dealing with a collision incident, the body shop does not cut corners. Instead, they focus on providing a full service that satisfies the customer—not the insurance company. Toyota even stated that they “no longer chase satisfaction scores.” Instead, they are focusing on the customer experience. Plus, they expanded their relationships with OEM certified shops to help those businesses provide better service.

 

Toyota’s Changes Affect You Too

Even if you are not the owner of a Toyota, you should know that Toyota’s decision may end up affecting you in the future as more parts manufacturers start moving in the same direction. OEM certification programs, discussions to reduce the cost of replacement parts, and so on will affect the cost and quality of repairs.

On the other hand, if you ignore a manufacturer’s call to increase quality and go to a body shop that does not care about that, non-approved or cheap aftermarket parts may void the vehicle’s warranty. Your personal safety could be affected, and the resale value of your vehicle will also suffer.

 

Get Repairs Done Right

Accidents happen, and when they do, you want proper repairs. That is why having a quality team, one that is trained in OEM and conscious about the customer experience is essential. You want an auto body shop that is going to get it right the first time. Do not pay for reduced cost and guessing games.

Elmer’s Auto Body is committed to high-quality repairs done by experienced and certified technicians. We prioritize quality every step of the way, and we never leave you wondering if the end result is good enough. Give us a call or fill out the contact form to learn more about our services.

Should I Use My Insurance Company’s Auto Repair Shop?

After a crash, you might not be thinking about where you should go or if the auto body shop your insurance company recommends is decent. You just want things to return to normal. That is understandable. When your car is damaged and in need of repair, the insurance company will tell you that they can cover the expenses and will direct you to an approved mechanic. Unthinkingly, you may just go along with it—until you wake up in the middle of the night wondering, “Should I use my insurance company’s auto repair shop? Do I have to?”

The approved mechanic is sometimes referred to as “within the insurer’s network” or “direct repair shops (DRPs).” Insurance providers want you to visit these mechanics because the service will be faster and cheaper for them—but not always for you.

So, choosing whether to use the insurance company’s auto repair shop comes with some consideration. Let’s have a look at some things to keep in mind when selecting the right body shop.

 

Know Your Rights

Your insurance company may try to pressure you a bit into selecting their auto body shop. Fortunately, auto insurance is not as limited as health insurance, and you can freely choose whichever body shop you want. That also means the insurance company has to reimburse the body shop, even if you do not use the recommended one.

Be prepared for some resistance. The insurance company may say, “The repairs will not be as quick if you go somewhere else.”

Speedy repairs are not always the best repairs. You want repairs that are thorough and accurate, not sloppy. If a mechanic is going to race through the repairs just to appease the insurance company, there could be issues that go undiscovered and wind up causing trouble later on. You don’t want that.

So, remember, no matter what the insurance company tells you—that you have to use a DRP, that they can’t guarantee the repairs or warranties—it doesn’t matter. You have a right to choose where you are taking your vehicle. Period.

 

Advantages of Using a Body Shop Recommended By The Insurance Company

There are some pluses to going along with the choice of your insurer, such as:

 

Wider Coverage

Most insurance companies have a network of DRP shops throughout the nation. So, if your vehicle happens to get into an accident in another state, the recommended company is a good choice. In the event that you go to an out of network auto body shop, you may have to return to it, even if it is a far distance away.

 

Faster Service

If you want your repairs done fast, then the body shop your insurance company asks you to use is going to be a great choice. As mentioned earlier, the relationship between the body shop and the insurer means that they are committed to speedy service. The check for the repairs goes straight to the shop, so you don’t even have to worry about it.

In addition to faster repairs, you can glide past the process of filling out paperwork. Typically, insurance companies will guarantee any workmanship and will handle things for you if anything happens in the future. Going out of network means having to deal with any warranty claims or issues for poor workmanship alone.

 

Disadvantages of an Insurance Company Recommended Body Shop

Going with the insurance provider’s recommendations is not always a great plan. Sure, the recommended body shop is going to get your vehicle back to you sooner, but they may not find every single problem. This leads to downsides, including:

 

Unfamiliar Mechanic

You may already have a local auto body shop that does your servicing. Go to them. Otherwise, the repairs will be done by a mechanic that you don’t know—and they don’t know your vehicle.

Unfamiliar Mechanic

Negotiation

Did you know that the provider-recommended shop may downplay the damages to your vehicle in an attempt to lower the repair cost? You are going to have to negotiate with the insurance company and the mechanic in order to get the repairs that your car needs.

 

Poor Repairs

Unless you want the most cost-effective route for repair, then going to the recommended auto body shop is not the way to go. Because the relationship is based on incentives, the auto body shop will cut corners and receive salvaged or aftermarket car parts instead of OEM. Always go with a reputable mechanic who does not compromise on quality.

 

Choosing Your Repair Parts and Facility

Many vehicles today have been constructed with highly advanced equipment and need to be repaired with the same level of quality that they came from the factory with. This is known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS. When a newer car model is repaired, you will want to receive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to ensure everything fits and functions properly.

For some time now, insurance companies have debated with auto body shops about the need for OEM parts during repairs, since OEM is often more expensive than aftermarket or salvaged pieces. Insurance companies prefer salvaged parts from the junkyard. Check your insurance policy to see if they allow for you to receive OEM.

In the event you plan on bypassing your insurance provider’s recommendation, be sure to choose a top-quality auto body shop near you. Look for a shop with technicians that are highly qualified and have certifications like I-CAR. OEM qualifications are also reassuring.

 

Choose Elmer’s Auto Body

You want an auto body shop that is going to repair your car to perfect condition, not something sub-par. That is why you should choose a place that will honor your wishes and get you exactly what you need for the repairs. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we have a team that is proud to serve you. Our technicians have received coveted certifications with I-CAR and OEM providers, ensuring that every service and repair is thorough and precise.

Plus, we promise to work with your insurance company to make the process as stress-free as possible. We will even help you get a rental car if needed. Call us or fill out the contact form to receive a quote or learn more about how we can help.

How Much Does It Cost On Average To Repaint A Car?

There will come a time when the shiny new car you purchased starts looking dingier. Over the years, the paint on your car will start to wear down, and you might play around with the idea of trading in one set of tired wheels for a new car with more luster. Or maybe you wish to sell your car privately and think giving it a coat of paint will increase the resale value.

A coat of fresh paint will undoubtedly do wonders for your vehicle. However, is getting the paint redone worthwhile, or will you be shelling out more money than it is worth?

There are considerations, such as whether the repainting will be done by a professional, where you take it, and the quality of the paint that determines the average cost of repainting a vehicle. We are going to go over these factors and much more today, so if you’ve been deliberating, keep reading.

 

Paint Job Price Ranges

If you have been searching for the answer to “how much does it cost on average to repaint a car” and are coming up short, it is because there is no simple answer. You may find someone who is willing to do a repaint job for a couple hundred bucks, but selecting the cheapest route is never a good idea—especially when it comes to cars. Plus, depending on the make and model of the car, as well as the exterior condition, a simple paint job might cost you thousands. Dents, dings, and scratches are all factored into the price, after all.

According to, a price-tracking website, the less you pay to repaint a car, the more unhappy you will be with the results. For instance, a job that totals around $560 is going to be a lot less satisfying than a repaint job that costs between $1000-$3500. That said, a “showroom quality” repaint costs $2500 on average. Those fancy custom paint jobs, on the other hand, average around $4975.

 

Factors Affecting the Cost of Repainting a Car

Here are some of the factors that affect the final bill:

 

Vehicle Size

Repainting a Cadillac limousine is going to cost more than repainting a Mini Cooper. This is based on the fact that there is a lot more surface area to cover with the Cadillac than the Mini Cooper.

 

Color

Looking to save a few bucks on the paint job? Then you should opt for the most common mainstream colors—shades of black, white, and gray. These paints cost a lot less than customized colors and detailing. But, if you really want that lime green or turquoise car, you will have to take it to a professional shop, where you will pay a premium for both the labor and the paint quality. Keep in mind that altering the color is also going to cost you more because door jambs and other places will have to be repainted as well.

 

Current Vehicle Condition

Never paint over problems. If you are looking to spruce up the exterior of your vehicle, you are going to need to pay for the repairs first. Otherwise, that expensive paint job is going to be ruined before you know it. For instance, painting over rust is not going to stop the rust from spreading. If there are dings and dents, those should be repaired before handing your vehicle over for repainting. In fact, new paint on old war wounds is just going to make them more visible—the exact opposite of what you want.

 

Paint Quality and Personal Preference

There are different levels of paint quality (we’ll explain below). The lower the quality, the less you pay. Any high-quality repaint job that combines bodywork is going to cost a lot more. Lastly, a multi-coat paint job and details, like racing stripes or custom graphics, will cost well above $5000.

 

Figuring Out The Right Course For You

Trying to decide what kind of paint job your vehicle needs? Take a look at the aforementioned factors and compare it to what you need.

 

Paint Types

First, you need to think about the four types of paint jobs: single-stage enamel, urethane paint, urethane sealer, high-quality paints and primers. These are usually referred to as Basic, Preferred, Premium, and Platinum, respectively.

Single-stage enamel paint jobs are best for older cars that need retouching. These are usually guaranteed for a year. Urethane paint is similar to a single-stage enamel paint, but it is much more resilient and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Premium and Platinum level services are pricier because the job is done in more than one stage. Multiple layers are used, making it a time-consuming task.

 

Body Shop vs. Dealership

If there is one thing we want to make very clear, it’s that you should NEVER repaint your car by yourself. Most people have neither the tools nor the knowledge to do it properly. If you mess up, it can cost you thousands of dollars just to fix the mistakes. So, that leaves you with two options: a body shop or a dealership. But here’s the catch—dealerships usually outsource painting jobs.

As you would with any other vehicle-related, shop around for some quotes. Do your research on who provides the best service for a competitive price. Pick the place with high ratings and a mid-range price.

 

Need Your Vehicle Repainted?

Hopefully, this article has helped you choose which side of the fence you are on. Getting your car repainted can be a worthwhile investment if you plan on hanging onto it for many more years or selling privately; getting it repainted to trade-in, though, is not as smart. Remember, having a car repainted is going to take time, and that new paint job is not going to solve other problems.

Looking to have your vehicle repainted? Give Elmer’s Auto Body a call or fill out the contact form. Our professional team is happy to consult with you about your needs. We are devoted to quality auto services, and no job is too big for us to tackle.