What is a SMART Repair?
SMART Repair Systems
Smart repairs have been developed to offer a quick, easy and cost effective way of repairing vehicle damage. The repairs are localised to the affected area only, as result they are far smaller and much less time consuming to complete. The real advantage of this is a massive reduction in cost; a SMART repair can be up to 80% less than a body shop alternative. A secondary advantage is that most SMART repair specialists offer a fully mobile service; this means that you will no longer need to put up with the inconvenience of living without your vehicle while it is at the body shop for repair.
SMART repairs cater for many different types of vehicle damage ranging from Bumper Scuffs to Interior Tears and Rips. In the following article I will attempt to explain the types of repair possible and the various methods used to restore your vehicle back to its pre-accident state.
Paintwork and Bumper repairs
Paintwork damage is the most common form of repair needed to a vehicle. As the paintwork is exposed to the elements on a daily basis and is usually the primary contact point for an accident most cars need some form of TLC in their lifetime.
Minor scratches can often be polished out using a very fine grade of Wet and Dry paper; this will cut back the top layer of lacquer to even out the finish. Once the paintwork has been cut back enough to removal the scratch a fine Rubbing Compound is applied to bring back the original shine. A final coat of Car Polish will then finish the job. Great care needs to be taken when cutting back a damaged area as it is very easy to rub all the way through the paintwork and down to the base coat resulting in a re-spray.
More serious damage will involve a localised paint repair. The SMART technician will firstly determine the colour code of your vehicle and then mix a very small amount of paint to cover the affected area. It will be necessary to cut back the damaged area in the same fashion as above however this time we can afford to be more aggressive to flatten the damage. If cracks or dents are apparent a combination of Panel Filler and Dent Removal will be necessary to re-form the area back to its original shape. Once the affected area is prepped the colour is applied, then a top coat of lacquer and finally a fade out lacquer which ultimately blends the repaired lacquer in with the original bodywork.
Alloy Wheel Refurbishment
Alloy wheels often get scuffed along a curb edge causing unsightly damage to the Alloy Rim. Using a SMART repair we can grind out the damaged area and blend it back in to look like new. Often the wheel will need a coat of paint in order to colour the damaged area back to its original state.
Corrosion of Alloy Wheels is also something a SMART repair will take care of. A Corroded wheel will need to have the corrosion completely removed to start with. This can be done by sanding and grinding but for the best result Sandblasting is necessary. Once all the corroded elements have been removed the wheel is coloured again and lacquered to return it to its original finish.
Interior Damage
Interior damage comes in many forms from Cigarette Burns in upholstery to Mobile Phone Cradles leaving mounting holes in the dash.
Upholstery repairs are usually undertaken by mixing up a fibre powder of colours to create a match colour for the interior trim. A damaged area such as a cigarette burn will be firstly cut out of the seat completely. The remaining hole is then filled with a packing material back to its original level. After the packing is glued into place a top layer of cloth is glued in to seal the repair and the coloured over using the fibre mix created earlier. A setting spray then coats the fibres and sticks them in place. The result is an almost un-noticeable repair.
Dashboard and interior plastic repairs are carried out in much the same way as an exterior repair however often the coating is much thicker than the outer paintwork and can be texturised to replicate the original finish.
These are the very basics a SMART Repairer has to offer. You should ultimately be aware that a SMART repair is more convenient, less costly and just as robust as a full body shop offering.