One of the biggest misconceptions about specialty shops and your standard tire and lube shop is that they are one in the same. Auto body repair shops are specialty shops where you can have your non-standard car repair needs met. For example, if your car needs classic restoration, sunroof installation, upholstery, paint jobs, or custom graphics, then a specialty shop is where you need to go.
Tire and lube shops are much different in the nature of the services that they provide. For example, these shops handle your oil changes, tire rotation, inspections and repairs, brake work, etc. Although sometimes you may find that a tire and lube shop will offer specialty services, it may, in fact, be in your best interest to take your car to a specialty shop. That will ensure that your car is in the best hands possible for whatever unique service your car requires.
Special Situations
Typically, when people think of auto body repair shops, they think of basic restoration. However, specialty repair shops are also ideal for specific instances such as car accidents, minor fender benders, and weather damage. For example, if you experience hail damage after a storm or happen to notice a few nicks on your car after parking in a public lot, these are precisely the types of issues that a specialty shop is equipped to remedy.
Focus on Service, Not the Price
Although auto body repair shops are the better choice for your specialty car repairs, you should be aware that such craftsmanship could be pricey. However, that depends solely on the nature and scope of the work that you are having done. Being aware of this will help deter you from haggling with the mechanic as they often cannot control the pricing of your particular repairs. Unlike standard car services, like purchasing and installing a new set of tires, specialty services require the procurement of the materials needed to fulfill your unique order, and that can be costly.
In addition, you should be sure to take the time with the mechanic to review the line items of your estimate. The thing to remember here is, while you may not fully understand the intricacies of the repair process, the time that the mechanic takes to explain to you what is indeed necessary to repair your car is a part of the valuable and unique service that you are paying for.
