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car panel alignment

Why Proper Car Panel Alignment Matters in Collision Repair

Written by Formula 1 Collision on . Posted in Collision Repair.

When you’re involved in a collision and bring your vehicle into the body shop for repairs, you expect it to look as good as new. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Issues like poor car panel alignment can affect your vehicle’s look and drivability.

That’s why choosing a company like Formula 1 Collision Center for collision repair in Tucson, AZ, is so important. Our experts use computerized measurement systems and laser-guided tools to ensure pinpoint accuracy. Keep reading to learn why we’re the best.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Importance of Proper Car Panel Alignment

Even if your repaired vehicle is dent free and the paint job is flawless, poor car panel alignment can make it look sloppy and compromise its performance and safety.

Safety

Vehicles have precise body gaps for a reason: They help ensure your safety during a crash. Misaligned panels can prevent crumple zones from working and properly absorbing crash impact. For example, improper hood alignment or fender adjustments can affect airbag timing and reduce their effectiveness in a crash.

Not only does proper alignment help keep you safe in a crash, but it also helps prevent crashes. If the alignment’s off, the car can pull to one side, vibrate, or feel hard to steer. Your tires will wear unevenly, too, which increases the risk of a problem that causes you to lose control and have another accident.

Structural Integrity

Vehicle designers take care to avoid gaps too wide or uneven to keep water out. Without proper car panel alignment, water can seep in and cause rust, electrical issues, and even mold and mildew in your interior. Over time, this can affect the car’s structural integrity and make it dangerous to drive without further repair.

Poor alignment can keep things from working correctly, even when the car remains watertight. For example, door hinges won’t move properly, or you won’t be able to open or close the hood and trunk if they’re misaligned. This is both dangerous and inconvenient.

Fuel Efficiency

Dent repair can give your car body parts a smooth and shiny appearance, but if they aren’t aligned correctly, you will see an impact on your gas mileage. Improperly sealed gaps can increase wind resistance, making your car noisier and less aerodynamic. Excess drag, meaning your car doesn’t slice through the air like it should, will tank your fuel efficiency.

Restore Your Vehicle’s Looks and Function at Formula 1 Collision Center

Fixing your car after an accident isn’t always about restoring its appearance. While you certainly want to admire the fresh paint job and dent-free surface, ensuring that the seams and gaps are also perfect is critical. Car panel alignment is the key to safety, performance, and long-term value.

Formula 1 Collision Center understands all types of car body damage and that the difference between “good enough” and “done right” is often measured in millimeters. Call them in Tucson, AZ, at (520) 369-4291 for precise repairs, including frame straightening, to keep you safer and happier on the road.

 

can you wrap a car with dents

Can You Wrap a Car With Dents? Complete Guide

Written by Formula 1 Collision on . Posted in Dent Repair.

A wrap can be a great way to personalize your car with a unique look. However, wraps can be a little touchy to put on — especially if your car has flaws. Can you wrap a car with dents for a more stylish look, or are you out of luck?

If you want to learn about the ins and outs, consider working with Formula 1 Collision Center, Tuscon’s collision center, and your one-stop place for all sorts of information and self-help regarding your automotive needs.

While there are a few options regarding your car wrap, there are a few obstacles to be aware of regarding surface preparation and your vinyl wrap. We’ll cover the details below.

Can You Wrap a Car With Dents?

When it comes to vehicle wrapping and dents, you can make the two work together after a little dent repair. If you’re going to invest in a full vinyl wrap for your car, you’re better off not putting it over a dent. While you certainly can force it on there, doing so might result in some troublesome bubbling, peeling, and tearing around the dent’s uneven surface.

If your dent isn’t too severe or complicated, you may still be able to rock a wrap without much adjustment. Think about some of the following options if you’re considering getting a wrap on a dented car.

Fill Your Dent

The best way to avoid any issues is to resolve the danger altogether and remove the dent. If you have a relatively small dent, filling it with paint might be your best option. If your dent is a little too big to fill, technicians can use other tools to plug dents or sand them down so they’re as smooth as possible before trying for a wrap.

Paintless Repair for Dents

Another option is a more inexpensive one — paintless repair. For a paintless repair, your technician can sand everything down without charging for a repaint. With a smooth service to work with, you can forget any worries you have concerning bubbling or other issues on your wrap.

Undertake Collision Repair

If you have a dent too big for sanding down or pulling out, you may need to undertake major repairs before you wrap your vehicle. Too angular or too severe of dents can be cumbersome, but it is a necessary upkeep measure for a wrap. Once you get some autobody work to make your surfaces smooth again, you can use a wrap on your car like normal.

Work With Formula 1 Collision Center

Now that you know the answer to the question, “Can you wrap a car with dents?” why not get the rest of your automotive questions answered with Formula 1 Collision Center? We help car owners with all kinds of body shop needs, including towing assistance, collision repair, and auto body refinishing. If you need Formula 1 Collision Center to help you with all types of car body damage, you can call us at 520-369-4291.