[Infographic] What Does an Auto Body Repairer Do? Common Tasks You Will Encounter
Auto body repairers are an essential part of the auto industry, relying on their skills and experience to restore damaged motor vehicles. Their tasks can be completed in a team or independently. Professionals with auto body technician training can perform their work in automobile dealerships, automobile body repair shops, and even automobile appraisal centres.
As an auto body repair technician, you can expect a variety of different tasks and responsibilities. This can range from fixing minor damages to repairing major ones—handling auto body parts and surfaces as well as interior finishing, to list a few examples. Read on for a breakdown of some of the most common tasks you can anticipate working on as you launch your career in this field!
[Infographic] What Does an Auto Body Repairer Do? Common Tasks You Will Encounter
1. Repairing Damaged Auto Body Parts
As an auto body repairer, you may conduct various tasks to repair damaged auto body parts. This includes:
- Removing damaged body parts
- Fitting and welding replacement parts
- Realigning car frames and chassis
- Making new panels out of sheet metal
- Using soldering equipment or plastic fillers
- Hammering out dents and other minor body damage
- Mixing and applying filler resins for dents
Fun Fact: Auto body repairers use a wide range of tools—including pneumatic tools, metal-cutting guns, hydraulic jacks, pliers, and plasma cutters.
2. Refinishing and Repainting Auto Body Surfaces
Auto body repairers are also responsible for preparing and repainting vehicles using hand and power tools. This involves:
- Grinding, sanding, and buffing repaired body surfaces
- Mixing paint and matching colours
- Masking auto body surfaces for painting
- Repainting surfaces with brushes or spray guns
- Applying primers and new finishes to restored body parts
Fun Fact: Professional auto body repairers have strong teamwork skills, working well with other repairers in the shop.
3. Repairing Glass and Interior Components
Auto body repairers rely on their attention to detail when working on glass and interior auto body parts. Tasks include:
- Repairing or replacing windshields, windows, and sunroofs
- Installing and weatherproofing windows and windshields
- Repairing interior parts, e.g. seat frame assembly and floorboard insulation
Fun Fact: As an auto body repairer, you can specialize in light vehicle or heavy vehicle body repair—handling cars and motorcycles or trucks and busses.
4. Reviewing Reports and Conducting Inspections
To ensure top quality and safety, auto body repairers must thoroughly inspect vehicles before and after repairs. Doing so involves:
- Planning tasks by reviewing damage reports
- Preparing repair cost estimates
- Test driving vehicles for proper handling
- Inspecting repaired vehicles
- Keeping a record of the work for customers
Fun Fact: Successful auto body repairers often demonstrate great time management and the ability to work with little supervision.
Sources:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/7662/ca
