What’s the Difference Between an Auto Body Shop and an Auto Repair Shop?

Your car needs some work, but what service facility should you call? In most cases, a vehicle repair requires technicians' expertise at either an auto repair shop or an auto body shop. However, differentiating between the two types of repair centers helps you know who to call when something’s awry with your car since the same professional who can repair a dent may not be the professional who can install new brakes and rotors.

Owning a car is a big responsibility. Along with routine maintenance to ensure the health of your vehicle, repairs are also (usually and unfortunately) a necessity. Sometimes these repairs are mechanical, involving components such as your engine or transmission, and repairs of this nature are handled by an auto repair shop such as Caliber Auto Care.

At other times, your vehicle's body may need specialized work that the knowledgeable collision repair pros at Caliber Collision undertake. A primer on both auto repair and auto body shops can help you quickly decide who to call and where to take your car to obtain the services it needs.

Auto Body Shop vs. Auto Repair Shop

There’s a common misconception that an auto body repair shop and an auto repair shop are the same, but the two have distinct differences.

An auto body shop handles damage or problems with the body of your car. This includes fixing bumpers, windows, doors, and the car’s frame — damages from auto accidents or other types of collision. On the other hand, if your vehicle fails to start, idles roughly, runs “hot,” or has a check engine light warning, then an auto repair shop is where you need to head.

What Does an Auto Repair Shop Do?

An auto repair shop is operated by mechanics who diagnose your car’s electrical and mechanical problems and apply the appropriate fix. Mechanics handle things like replacing parts, repairing engines, total tune-ups, and maintaining your vehicle.

At Caliber Auto Care, certified and well-trained mechanics have the knowledge and state-of-the-art equipment to undertake repairs of all types for your car, truck, SUV, van, or other vehicle. An auto repair shop is the right place to be if your car needs:

• Repair of internal components, such as restoring damaged internal systems
• Correction of suspension issues
• Replacement of engines, transmissions, clutches, rear differentials, and transaxles
• Electrical and software problems
• Tire replacements
• General maintenance

What Does an Auto Body Shop Do?

Caliber Collision and its team of experts offer specialized services to return your vehicle to its pre-accident or pre-collision look. These skilled technicians are trained in auto body repairs and have access to Caliber’s specialized tools and equipment.

The auto body shop professional focuses on repairing or enhancing the vehicle’s aesthetics. It includes the following:

• Painting, panel replacement, and dent repair
• Matching and applying paint, replacing damaged panels, and repairing dents
• Achieving a showroom-quality finish
• Making the vehicle look visually appealing

Choosing the Right Repair Center

A quick way to determine whether to call an auto repair shop or auto body shop is to look at the problem with your vehicle or identify the damage your car sustained.

Is the damage primarily external, or is it mechanical? Think about the expertise required for the repair, and then match that need with the capabilities of the repair center.

So, if you’re looking for tire rotation, oil changes, or help with mechanical issues, for example, a Caliber Auto Care technician is the person you want in your corner. On the other hand, fender benders, scratched paint, or adjustments and replacements to your vehicle's body are best left to the capable hands of the technicians at Caliber Collision. Check out Caliber’s car damage estimator to receive an estimate of the cost to get your car repaired.

Across the country, Caliber is happy to offer a range of services to restore your car to its best condition, no matter the problem. Caliber’s collision experts and auto mechanics are all experienced and highly trained in their respective fields.

So, you can trust that whether you’re looking to replace your vehicle’s engine or seeking post-accident car repairs, Caliber is committed to Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life® and getting you back behind the wheel safely and quickly.