Bodywork Damage You Can Ignore and Damage You Should Not

Cosmetic damage that can wait

Light scuffs on a bumper, surface scratches that have not gone through the paint, and small dents on a flat panel are generally cosmetic. They affect how the car looks, not how it drives, and fixing them is often a matter of choice.

If you do want them tidied, scratch repairs, SMART repairs and paint correction can deal with small areas without a full respray. Whether that is possible depends on how deep the damage goes, so it needs a look in person.

It is worth saying that a car is allowed to look its age. Small imperfections on an older car are normal, and chasing every mark can cost more effort than it is worth. The sensible approach is to separate what bothers your eye from what could bother the car.

When paint breaks and rust begins

A scratch that reaches bare metal is a different matter. Once moisture gets in, rust can start under the paint and spread, particularly along edges, sills and wheel arches. A stone chip that is left alone can turn into a bubbling patch in time.

Dealing with small paint breaks early is usually simpler than repairing rust later. Stone-chip repairs and touch-up work seal the metal, whereas established corrosion may need cutting out and welding.

• Bubbles or flaking paint around a chip
• Orange staining along seams and edges
• Rust forming around arches and sills
• Scratches that expose bare metal

Sharp edges, loose parts and safety

Cracked bumpers, torn plastic and bent metal can leave edges sharp enough to hurt someone. A loose panel or hanging trim can also come away on the road. If something is loose, flapping or sharp, it needs attention before the car is used regularly.

Broken lights, cracked mirrors and damaged glass are in the same category. They affect visibility and how other road users see you, so they should be sorted out promptly. A chipped windscreen can often be repaired if dealt with early, before the crack spreads.

Bumpers deserve a particular mention. A bumper that has pulled away from its fixings can look minor, but it may be hiding broken brackets or cracked crash bars behind it. Press lightly on it. If it moves where it should not, have it examined.

Structural damage and airbags

Damage to sills, chassis rails, pillars and the areas designed to crumple in a crash matters because it affects how the car protects you. A buckled panel near a door pillar, uneven gaps between panels or doors that no longer shut properly can all point to structural problems.

Airbags and their sensors are also located in the bodywork. If you have been in a collision where airbags deployed, or if a warning light for them stays on afterwards, do not ignore it. The car needs a proper inspection by someone qualified to look at it.

Do not try to judge structural damage by eye alone. A repair carried out badly, or a panel that has been pushed out of position, can be hard to spot without measuring and looking underneath. Welding and structural repairs and chassis repairs should be dealt with by people equipped for the work.

Sensors, cameras and how to decide

Parking sensors and cameras sit in bumpers and mirrors, so cosmetic-looking knocks can disturb them. If a feature stops working or behaves oddly after a scrape, it is worth having it checked.

A simple rule helps: if it affects safety, structure or is letting water in, act soon. If it is only appearance, you can choose your moment. At Banks of the Tyne we can look at a car and tell you which category the damage falls into, though the answer always depends on inspection.

For vans and commercial vehicles the same logic applies, with the added factor that body damage can affect load security and doors. If a cargo door will not close or latch properly, that is not something to leave for another day.

Frequently asked questions