Full Body Inspection

The first thing a technician will do is inspect the exterior of your automobile. This will allow them to assess whether there was any storm damage based on the dings, dents, scratches and overall condition of the car. If they suspect the damage that is present on the exterior is more than superficial, they may pull panels or the bumper or fender to look at the foam inside the car for any other body damage.

Looking Under the Car

If your car was parked in an area where flood waters reached the undercarriage of the car, a storm damage specialist will look under the carriage or bottom of your car for signs of damage. There may be hoses, belts, or filters that have become submerged and need to be replaced. A technician will also likely fully clean the area to ensure rust does not build up in this area and cause significant damage to your car or the parts that are contained in this area.

Repairing the Damage

Lastly, a collision specialist will repair the damage. The types of repairs that are needed vary based on the damage done. If debris hit and damaged your windshield or windows, auto glass repair or replacement may be needed. If there are small dings due to hail, a compound may be used to smooth out the affected area and then your car will need to be painted. If a large ding or dent is present, the dent may need to be pulled out. Any damage done to the undercarriage area will need to be fixed.

If your car has been damaged in a storm, Minnetonka Collision, located in Plymouth, MN, is here to help. We are an auto body and collision repair center offering auto body repair, color matching services, fleet services, collision insurance repair, specialty vehicle repair, storm damage repair, dent repair, hail damage repair, and bumper and fender repair. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free estimate and to begin the process of having your car repaired.

Suctioning Out the Dents

If there are only a couple of dents present, a repair, we may decide to suction out the dents. A tool is used that works similarly to a plunger. The cup is attached to the side of your car, and when pulled outward, the air and force help to pull the dent out. However, not all dents can be suctioned. If there are several dents or if the dents are deep, suctioning may not work. The advantage to suctioning is that it is fast, easy and does not require a panel to be removed or painted.

Pounding Out the Dents

If you have a large dent that is not removed through suctioning techniques, our technicians may decide to pound out the dent. For a dent to be pounded out, the panel must be removed. Our technicians then use a rubber mallet to pound the dent out from the backside. This should only be done by a professional, as too much pounding can cause a bubble on the opposite side or damage to the panel.

Smoothing Out the Dents

The last technique that is used to remove hail damage is smoothing out the dents. This is used when there are stubborn dents that won't budge with other techniques or many small dings caused by hail. A smoothing compound is applied to the area and allowed to dry. Once dried, the compound is sanded down, so it is smooth and even with the rest of the body of the car. The area then needs to be painted to match the rest of the car. This is the most time-consuming technique, but it helps to remove dents efficiently.

If your car was damaged by hail, you need a professional to remove the dents and fix your car. When you are in this position, you can trust Minnetonka Collision, located in Plymouth, MN. We are a collision and automotive repair shop. We offer a variety of services including auto body repair, color matching services, fleet services, collision insurance repair, specialty vehicle repair, storm damage repair, dent removal, and hail damage repair. Call us today at 763-230-7805 to discuss your needs with us or to schedule an appointment to bring your car in for an estimate or repairs.

Online Color Matching

Technology is making the color matching process a much easier and more accurate process than ever before. There are service providers that offer color finder systems online, allowing auto technicians to pinpoint the right colors, based on the make and model of vehicles and manufacturers’ design specs. This online process is ideal for mobile devices and for technicians on the go, because they can match paints almost anywhere on the shop floor or in other locations where they’re servicing vehicles.

Color Detecting Cameras

Another high-tech solution in these situations are color-detecting cameras, which can basically take a snapshot of an existing color and compare it to a database of existing paints. The net result being a user-friendly process for technicians that allows them to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness on the shop floor. Cameras such as these have the power to match some of the most complex paintjobs and color tones on the market.

Testing & Environmental Control

Before auto paint is applied to a vehicle, techs normally perform a test to make sure they’ve identified the right variant of paint. This may involve spraying paint on a test card, or another similar surface. Environmental factors, such as humidity, temperature and air density, are closely controlled and monitored, so that the new paint is applied effectively. Without environmental controls, the new paint would not blend in with the original paintjob as cleanly, as is possible. Once the environment is secure, testing is complete and prep work is done, technicians can begin the process of applying the paint.

Given the delicate nature of applying paint to your vehicle and the color matching process, you need an experienced auto body repair shop to get the job done right. There is a bit of artist talent required to make your car or truck look and feel new. So, don’t settle for touch-up paint and DIY solutions.

Penetrated Auto Glass

Hail storms are sometimes strong enough not only to crack your windshield, but they can also make your auto glass look like Swiss cheese. The damage can be so bad that you’ll need to replace all your auto glass, including the exterior mirrors. This type of complete destruction is rare, but if the hail is large enough and comes down for a sustained time-period, you may need to visit an auto body repair shop to make your vehicle functional again. Your seats, electronics and personal possessions inside your vehicle are at high risk in these scenarios.

Dented Hood & Panels

A strong hail storm can make your hood and side panels look like they’ve been hit by a barrage of golf balls, leaving large numbers of small craters in your car or truck. This type of damage is annoying, unsightly and often-times expensive to fix. This is because many of the panels on your car may not be salvageable. Instead, you’ll have to buy new components and have your paintjob refinished. A small number of superficial dents may be less expensive and difficult to fix, though.

Chipped Paint

Hail can be strong enough to chip your paintjob, creating eyesores and expensive damage to repair. The process of color matching and touching up your auto paint is a delicate one, requiring the skills of a talented auto body repair specialist. The chips caused by hail can be minor and out-of-sight, or they can be glaring to the point you have no choice to make repairs. Otherwise, you run the risk of having your car frame rust, because it’s exposed to the elements.

If your vehicle is looking beat-up after a hail storm, hail damage repair specialists can help you recover. Whether it’s your paintjob, hood or bumpers, an auto body repair shop can assess the situation and implement the most efficient, cost-effective solution to remedy hail damage.