3 Types of Collision Damage You’ll Encounter After Automotive Training

No driver is perfect, and as a result, collisions occur each day. If you’re considering a career in auto body repair, much of your work will involve the restoration of vehicles that have been damaged in collisions. For safety reasons, modern vehicles are designed to have crumple and crush zones where crash energy is absorbed and redistributed to reduce impact and increase the safety of drivers and passengers. 

Though vehicles have come a long way in terms of safety, auto body damage still needs to be repaired in order to protect the mechanical components of a vehicle and the safety of those in the car. One day, it will be your job to assess, report, and repair collision damage. 

On the job, you’ll notice that certain types of collision damage occur more often than others, and it will be helpful to get familiar with the nature of these damages and the repair techniques that work best for them. Keep reading to learn more about rear-end damage, dents, and front-end damage. 

1. Rear-End Collisions Are the Most Common Type of Damage You’ll See After Automotive School

You may have experienced a rear-end collision yourself, as they are the most common reasons why drivers bring their cars into the collision center. Heavy traffic and a bit of rush hour impatience is the perfect storm for this sort of collision. The severity of the incident will determine what repairs are needed, but typically, you can expect to see trunk damage, alignment issues, and broken lights after automotive training. Not all of the damage that occurs as a result of a rear-end collision will be immediately visible. Hidden issues often arise after this sort of accident, including engine damage, frame damage, and a broken bumper cover. 

2. Dents Are Minor Collision Damage You’ll Often Deal With on the Job

Minor collisions can result in dings and dents that are quite difficult for car owners to repair on their own. Even in the case of a small accident, dents can be quite noticeable. After automotive school, you’ll use a variety of methods to repair dents, including the use of a dent puller–a large suction device to pop the depressed metal back out. In addition, fillers are used to restore the even surface of a vehicle. Hammers and dollies, stud welders, and pliers are some of the most common tools you’ll work with.

3. Front-End Damage Is Common After a Fender Bender 

After a fender bender, cosmetic damage to the front bumper and headlights will be the most obvious. You may also see damage to the vehicle’s hood and grill. Of course, since many mechanical components are found at the front of vehicles, front-end damage will likely result in hidden damage that is only apparent to a trained eye or after the driver attempts to start the car. For example, both the transmission and engine are found in the front end of a car, so, after this sort of collision, it’s common to see malfunction with these two systems. 

When you take automotive training with CATI, you will graduate fully prepared to assess vehicles after collisions, and perform the necessary repairs to get cars back on the road. Other competencies you will develop in our program include automotive painting and refinishing. 

Looking forward to enrolling in training at CATI school? 

Contact us for more information!