Why You Should Choose A Trusted Repair Shop For Your Vehicle's Needs

Tony Mers • April 29, 2021

While painting a car might make it look amazing, it's not an amateur's job and many people realize that it needs to be done by a professional. In this brief article, we'll go over some reasons why it's absolutely imperative to take your car to a reputable repair or paint shop. Whether you're trying to fix hail damage or simply get your doors repainted, you'll want to go with a trusted shop that has your best interests at heart before going anywhere else.

Your Car Probably Needs Work, But You Just Don't Know

Unless automobile repair is your passion and your already work on cars, chances are that you have no idea whether your car is in need of a serious tune-up or not. In fact, an estimated 77% of cars were in need of maintenance or repairs. From basic things like oil changes to more serious procedures such as tire rotations and maintenance, having your car in tip-top shape is not something that most car owners are well equipped to handle. If you're ever in doubt about what needs to be done, refer to your car's original owner's manual for a "maintenance by mileage" guide.

Never Need Tools Again

A huge benefit of going to your local reputable paint shop or repair yard is that they have the most up-to-date tools that you could want for working on your car. Automobile tools can be expensive to own and maintain, so even if you're mechanically inclined this may be something that you want to outsource. Not to mention that most homeowners are not fortunate enough to have a lift and drainage system in their garage!

Get Repairs From People You Trust

If you've been patronizing the same paint shop for quite a long time, you tend to develop relationships with the people that work there. They not only know you, but they know your car and the previous work that has been done to it. They can therefore offer practical and realistic recommendations about what is necessary for your particular automobile or not that you can trust. They have the experience and know-how to help out. These relationships are possible even at large car dealerships, if you know who to ask for and request specific services or appointment dates.

Know That Good Work Is Guaranteed

Apart from not having to do the work yourself, it can be wonderful to get your car repaired at a reputable paint shop or repair yard so that you simply know the work is guaranteed. Even if you're a wizard with tools and like working on cars yourself, you may mess something up at the end of the day and not be able to fix it. In this case, you'll be bringing your car in for repairs and paying for it no matter what. At least when this situation happens from the repair shop to your home, you know that you can bring it back and get it fixed with no cost to you. Steer clear from repair shops that don't have a work guarantee, as this is the hallmark of any good auto repair shop.

Unfortunately, many car owners hem and haw about prices, don't take their cars to certified repair shops, or drive long distances without getting the recommended tune-ups performed (such as basic oil changes). While you may not have to take your car in for bumper repair after every accidental bump, it's worth getting your car inspected by a professional more often than not.

January 30, 2026
It is an awful feeling when you walk out to your car after a long day and see a small dent on your passenger door. While it may appear to be just a cosmetic issue, you should still get it fixed, because ignoring small dents can lead to bigger problems for your vehicle.  Don’t let small dents on your car go untreated; let's talk about why you need to tackle these issues ASAP. Rust Loves Chicago Winters We all know the drill here in the Windy City. We have beautiful summers, sure, but we also pay the price with brutal winters. And what comes with winter? Salt. Tons of it. Your car’s paint job acts as a suit of armor protecting the metal body underneath. Even a minor dent often comes with microscopic cracks in the paint—sometimes too small to see with the naked eye. Once that seal is broken, moisture and road salt sneak in. They settle against the bare metal and start a chemical party you definitely don’t want to host. Oxidation begins immediately. By the time you notice bubbling paint or that tell-tale orange stain a few months later, the rust has already been eating away at your door panel from the inside out. Resale Value Takes a Nosedive For many people, maintaining their car is a valuable part of purchasing a new vehicle. When that day comes, curb appeal is everything. Used car buyers (and dealership appraisers) will judge your car by its exterior appearance. If they see a vehicle riddled with door dings, bumper scrapes, and ignored scratches, they see a car that wasn't cared for. They assume that if you didn't care enough to fix the outside, you probably didn't care about the rest of it either. It lowers the perceived value instantly. Maintaining your car’s body and its paint is an investment in your future trade-in value. Paint Damage Spreads Like a Virus When a dent or scrape compromises the integrity of the paint, the surrounding paint loses its grip. High-pressure car washes, wind, and temperature fluctuations cause the paint to flake away from the initial injury site. A scratch the size of a quarter can grow into a patch the size of a softball over a couple of seasons. It’s Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think Here is the good news: fixing these things early is surprisingly affordable. Modern body shop technology is amazing. For many small dings where the paint isn't cracked, we can use techniques that massage the metal back into place without spraying a drop of paint. River North Collision Repair offers paintless dent repair in Chicago to fix minor dents. Regardless of what nicked your door, we can help remove the dents and maintain a seamless look for your vehicle. Don’t Wait for Problems Don't let minor dents turn into a big nightmare. Save your future self the headache (and the cash). Swing by River North Collision Repair for your quick and easy repairs. Because driving a car you’re proud of? That’s a feeling you can’t put a price on.
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