Synopsis
Auto body damage can impact more than just your car’s appearance. It can compromise safety and long-term performance. Auto Collision Center of Exeter explains the most common types of damage, how we repair them to OEM standards, and why professional, detail-oriented repairs matter. From minor dents to full frame corrections, our auto body repair shop is equipped with the right tools, training, and team to get the job done right.
Auto body damage happens more often than most drivers expect, and it’s not always easy to spot. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 5.2 million non-fatal crashes were reported in the U.S. in a single year, many resulting in body damage ranging from minor dents to major structural issues. In New Hampshire, icy winters, narrow roads, and heavy traffic through towns like Exeter can make vehicle damage even more common, especially during peak snow and tourism seasons.
That’s where we come in. At Auto Collision Center of Exeter, we specialize in auto body repair in Exeter, NH, for late-model vehicles. We list the most common types of auto body damage we see locally and explain how our team repairs each one the right way.
Why Understanding Auto Body Damage Matters
Knowing the type of damage helps you choose the right auto body repair shop and avoid unsafe DIY fixes. Auto body damage isn’t always visible. A cracked bumper or dented fender may seem minor, but the structure underneath could be compromised. In some cases, sensors misaligned by a collision won’t trigger warnings or deploy airbags when you need them most.
Delaying repairs also increases risk. Moisture, salt, and road grime in Exeter’s winter months can cause paint scratches to rust faster. Dents left untreated can expand and damage nearby panels, leading to more invasive repairs later.
That’s why a detailed inspection is key. We disassemble damaged areas to uncover issues not visible from the outside. We take over 100 photos, pre-scan every vehicle, and use OEM-approved tools to measure and diagnose every part before starting work.
Our process helps drivers avoid poor repairs or incomplete fixes. If you’re looking for professional auto body repair, Auto Collision Center of Exeter is trained to restore vehicles so your car looks and drives like it should.
Whether it’s a parking lot ding or frame misalignment after a crash, we approach every job with the same precision and attention to detail. That’s the level of service drivers expect from auto body repair services that fix it right.
Most Common Types of Auto Body Damage
Auto Collision Center of Exeter sees a variety of collision-related and environmental auto body damage every day. Each type requires a different repair approach to return your vehicle to a safe, reliable condition. Here are the most common types of damage we repair and how our team restores your car using OEM repair procedures and I-CAR standards.
Scratches and Surface Paint Damage
Scratches range from light scuffs to deep grooves that expose bare metal. Light scratches often happen when a shopping cart grazes your door or a tree branch brushes along your fender. Deeper scratches and gouges can occur if another vehicle scrapes your bumper in a parking lot. Even a keying incident can leave severe marks that compromise the protective clear coat.
Our repair method starts by assessing the scratch depth. For shallow surface marks, we machine-sand and polish the area. Deeper damage often requires filling and priming to build the surface back up evenly. We then use our RM computerized paint-matching camera to blend the repair perfectly into the surrounding panels.
All refinishing happens in our downdraft heated booth. This step helps protect the new finish from contaminants and achieves a factory-quality shine. If you need auto body repair for scratches, Auto Collision Center of Exeter processes restores both appearance and corrosion protection.
Dents and Dings
Dents and dings are the most common types of car body damage we repair. They come in several forms. Sharp dents often occur from impacts with a car door edge. Round dings may show up after hailstorms. Creased dents appear when an object drags along the panel, folding the metal.
We determine the repair approach based on the dent’s size, depth, and location. For smaller dents where paint isn’t damaged, we often use paintless dent removal (PDR) (that is a sublet service). This technique gently massages the panel back into place without the need for fillers or repainting.
For deeper or stretched dents, traditional dent repair is required. We start by removing any trim to access the backside of the panel. Then we reshape the area using specialized tools, fill any low spots, and sand to a smooth finish. Repainting follows, with color matched precisely to the rest of the vehicle.
Auto Collision Center of Exeter performs professional auto body repair in Exeter, NH, that restores panels to their pre-damage shape and keeps the finish consistent.
Bumper Damage
Low-speed impacts in parking lots or fender benders at intersections often cause bumper damage. You might notice scrapes, cracks, or areas where the bumper has been pushed out of alignment. In some cases, sensors embedded in the bumper are also affected, causing error alerts on your dashboard.
Our first step is to check whether the bumper has structural or purely cosmetic damage. If the reinforcement bar behind the bumper has shifted, we’ll recommend replacement to keep you safe in future collisions.
If the damage is limited to the cover, we remove it and repair cracks or deformations. We pre-fit any new components before painting to confirm the correct alignment. The bumper then goes through our RM paint refinishing system in the downdraft booth to match the vehicle’s finish.
This careful approach means you won’t end up with gaps or misaligned sensors. If you need car body repair in Exeter, NH, for bumper scrapes or a complete replacement, Auto Collision Center of Exeter has the tools and training to complete the job to OEM standards.
Frame or Structural Damage
Frame damage can occur even in moderate collisions and often isn’t visible without proper measurement. Signs of a bent or misaligned frame include uneven gaps between panels, crooked steering, or unusual tire wear. If left unrepaired, structural damage reduces crash safety and causes parts to wear out faster.
We start the diagnosis with our Spansie frame measuring system. This equipment uses electronic sensors to identify any deviation from the manufacturer’s specifications. Even small misalignments can affect your car’s handling and safety systems.
Once we measure, we mount the vehicle on our Spansie frame rack. We use hydraulic pulls and clamps to return the frame to factory dimensions. Every adjustment is checked against OEM data to confirm accuracy.
After straightening, we reassemble the panels and conduct a road test to verify that the vehicle drives properly. When you choose our auto body repair shop, you can be confident that frame repairs meet the strict standards set by the manufacturer.
Cracked or Warped Panels
Cracked or warped panels often occur after an impact or long-term exposure to weather. Hoods, doors, and quarter panels are particularly vulnerable to these issues. A severe dent that’s left untreated can turn into a crack over time, especially in cold or wet conditions.
When evaluating damage, we consider safety, repairability, and long-term durability. If a crack threatens the panel’s structural integrity or is in a critical area, replacement is usually the safest choice. For minor warping or less severe cracks, we can repair the panel with reinforced filler and reshaping techniques.
After repairs, the area is sanded smooth and refinished with our RM paint system. This restores both appearance and corrosion protection. Auto Collision Center of Exeter provides auto body damage repair in Exeter, NH, that repairs or replaces every panel. We follow precise OEM standards. This prevents problems like rust, leaks, or poor alignment in the future.
Paint Fading, Peeling, or Oxidation
Paint damage develops over time from sun exposure, weather, or poor previous repairs. Fading happens when UV rays break down pigments, leaving your finish dull or patchy. Peeling or clear coat failure exposes the underlying layers to moisture, increasing the risk of rust.
Our solution begins by sanding the affected panels to remove damaged paint. We then prime the surface to create a strong bond with new coatings. Our RM paint line and computerized camera allow us to recreate your car’s original color with precision.
Refinishing happens in our downdraft heated booth to maintain a clean environment and consistent temperatures. After the base coat and clear coat are applied, we polish the finish to restore depth and gloss.
If you’ve noticed dull patches or peeling sections, auto body repair services can bring back the look and protect your investment. Repainting also helps to stop corrosion and preserve your vehicle’s resale value.
Collision-Related Glass Damage
Windshields and windows often crack during a collision, even if the damage looks limited to the body panels. Chips can develop into larger cracks over time, compromising visibility and structural safety. In newer vehicles, damaged glass may also interfere with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) if cameras or sensors are mounted near the windshield.
When glass damage is part of a collision repair, we coordinate replacement through our trusted sublet glass partner. Our team handles removal, preparation, and final installation to confirm a proper fit and seal.
Before returning your car, we perform an ADAS calibration when needed to confirm that all sensors and cameras function correctly. This attention to detail makes the team at Auto Collision Center of Exeter a reliable choice for auto body repair in Exeter, NH. If you see cracks spreading across your windshield or side glass after an accident, don’t wait. Prompt replacement helps prevent further damage and keeps your vehicle safe to drive.
For any of these common types of auto body damage, you need car body repair. Auto Collision Center of Exeter helps your car look and drive the way it should again.
How Auto Collision Center of Exeter Ensures Long-Lasting Repairs
We follow OEM repair procedures, use premium materials, and back our work with a limited lifetime warranty on paint and repairs. When we complete a job, it’s built to last. Every repair starts with a proper blueprint, guided by the manufacturer’s repair procedures. This helps us restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition with precision.
Our repair team includes I-CAR Gold Class and Platinum-certified technicians. This means our crew is trained in the latest collision techniques, advanced materials, and safety system recalibration methods. We don’t just aim to make your car look good. We make sure it performs right when it matters most.
We only use OEM parts or high-quality aftermarket components from certified sources. No parts from third-party online marketplaces are ever used. This matters. Inferior bumpers, brackets, or panels may fit poorly or fail to meet safety standards. Quality materials help us deliver durable results and avoid repeat repairs.
Paint work is handled using the RM Diamont refinishing system, which combines computerized color matching with long-term fade resistance. Our downdraft heated spray booth provides a dust-free environment, helping us match factory finish and gloss. Whether we’re repairing minor scratches or refinishing a full panel, quality control remains consistent.
We also rely on the Spansie frame rack and electronic measuring system for unibody repairs. This lets us restore structure with accuracy, down to the millimeter, so your alignment, airbag timing, and ride quality are never compromised.
If you’re looking for auto body repair in Exeter, NH, that doesn’t cut corners, Auto Collision Center of Exeter is your choice. Every repair we complete, no matter how small, is done to last. That’s why many in the community rely on our professional auto body repair team for confidence in long-term results.
What to Do If Your Vehicle Has Auto Body Damage in Exeter, NH
Call Auto Collision Center of Exeter for a visual estimate and insurance coordination. After a collision or minor accident, the next steps you take can affect your safety, time, and insurance claim. We’ve streamlined the process to help you get back on the road without delay.
Start by giving us a call to schedule a free visual inspection. We’ll review the damage in person and let you know if the vehicle is safe to drive. If your vehicle isn’t drivable, we can assist with towing through our trusted partners.
Our team helps guide you through the insurance claim process. We can coordinate directly with your provider and assist with rental vehicle arrangements through nearby agencies. Once your claim is approved, we begin with a full disassembly to uncover hidden damage.
Every step is documented with photos and scans to support your claim and guide precise repairs. You’ll receive regular updates and a clear timeline for your repairs. Auto Collision Center of Exeter combines professional auto body damage repair with the kind of service you expect in a small town. Our team is honest, respectful, and straightforward. Whether it’s a scratched panel or frame work, we handle it with precision and care every time.
Get Reliable Auto Body Damage Repair in Exeter, NH at Auto Collision Center of Exeter
Professional repair is the safest way to restore your vehicle after auto body damage. Damage that looks minor can lead to deeper problems like compromised safety, reduced vehicle value, or corrosion. Auto Collision Center of Exeter uses manufacturer repair procedures, OEM parts, and modern tools to fix your vehicle thoroughly and precisely.
We’ve built a reputation as the trusted auto body repair shop in Exeter, NH, combining big-shop quality with the honest, respectful service of a local shop. From light cosmetic damage to full structural repairs, each vehicle we work on receives the same focused, quality-driven process. Call us at (603) 772-0214 or email us at accofexeter@gmail.com to get a free estimate or learn more about our auto body repair services in Exeter, NH.