That’s a great question – what’s the difference between the two? Well, it all starts with understanding the names. An “auto body” shop is about fixing up your car’s actual body. That includes things like doors and bumpers. An auto repair shop is a little different.
Auto Repair Shops Do the Hard Stuff
In a lot of ways an auto repair shop has the tougher job. An auto repair shop like All Around Auto Repair has trained technicians who know how to repair engines, transmissions, brakes, and air conditioning. Indeed, All Around Auto Repair does all of these things.
In addition, All Around Auto Repair an help you figure out what’s going wrong with your vehicle by putting your car through a vigorous inspection using diagnostic tools that a body repair shop might not have.
All Around Auto Repair can replace parts, rotate your tires, provide scheduled maintenance, and even do oil changes. That’s a whole lot more stuff, in other words, than your basic auto body shop does. 
Outside Versus Inside of Your Vehicle
Auto body shops are sometimes called collision centers because most of what they do deals with repairing the body of your vehicle. Those guys repair dents, restore paint, and replace bumpers.
The thing to understand is that auto body shops fix fixes the stuff outside of your vehicle and an auto repair shop like All Around Auto Repair repairs all of the really complicated stuff under the hood.
That said, if you get into a fender bender or more serious accident and your vehicle comes out the worse for the experience, then you should absolutely take your vehicle in to an auto body shop.
That’s because an auto body shop work work on the sheet metal and glass that make up the exterior of your vehicle. Dents, scratches, broken windows, or bumpers that have fallen on hard times are all within an auto body shop’s ability to repair.
Engine Work? Think Auto Repair Shop
If you need scheduled maintenance, used car inspections, oil changes, or more serious work on your engine, though, you need an auto repair shop.
An auto repair shop can fix all kinds of failing components under the hood, and clue you in to the problem in the first place. Think about it – an engine can get pretty hot. All that heat can wear down parts.
Going in to an auto repair shop and getting regular maintenance is the way to go because you can get your immediate problems resolved (e.g., worn out brakes that need new pads) and see if any systems under the hood are in danger of failing soon.
The auto experts, for instance, recommend getting your oil changed every few thousand miles because fresh oil does a better job of lubricating your engine and absorbing heat. Both functions are critically important to getting the best engine performance, optimizing gas mileage, and keeping your parts going for longer.
When your car’s engine doesn’t have fresh oil the parts can generate too much heat. Heat is the kiss of death for engines because too much heat leads to less efficient performance and a premature breakdown of individual parts.
Come In To All Around Auto Repair
Another way to think about going and getting scheduled maintenance from qualified technicians at an auto repair shop is this – you’re saving tons of money in the future by spending a small amount of money today for that oil change.
Why’s that? Periodic oil changes and scheduled maintenance done by an auto repair shop ensures that your vehicle and its engine stay on the road longer.
Auto Body vs. Auto Repair Shop FAQ
1. What’s the difference between an auto body shop and an auto repair shop?
An auto body shop focuses on fixing the exterior of your vehicle, like dents, paint restoration, and bumper replacement. An auto repair shop, on the other hand, deals with the more complex mechanical issues under the hood, such as engine, transmission, brakes, and air conditioning repairs.
2. What services does an auto repair shop offer?
Auto repair shops, like All Around Auto Repair, offer services like engine repair, transmission work, brake replacement, air conditioning fixes, oil changes, tire rotation, and scheduled maintenance. They also use diagnostic tools to identify issues that need addressing.
3. What does an auto body shop do?
Auto body shops, sometimes called collision centers, repair the exterior of your vehicle. They fix dents, scratches, broken windows, and damaged bumpers, restoring your car’s appearance after accidents or wear and tear.
4. Should I go to an auto body shop or an auto repair shop after an accident?
If your car has exterior damage from a fender bender or collision, such as dents or broken windows, you should take it to an auto body shop. They specialize in repairing the outside of your vehicle. If your car has engine or mechanical issues after the accident, visit an auto repair shop.
5. Can an auto repair shop perform regular maintenance?
Yes, auto repair shops are your go-to for regular maintenance like oil changes, tire rotation, brake pad replacement, and used car inspections. These services help keep your vehicle running smoothly and catch potential problems early.
6. Why are oil changes important?
Oil changes are critical for maintaining your engine’s performance. Fresh oil helps lubricate engine parts and absorb heat, which improves gas mileage and prevents premature wear and breakdowns. Auto repair experts recommend getting your oil changed every few thousand miles.
7. What happens if I don’t change my oil regularly?
If you skip oil changes, your engine parts can generate excess heat, which leads to inefficient performance and damage. Over time, this can cause your engine to wear out faster, resulting in expensive repairs or even engine failure.
8. How often should I get scheduled maintenance for my vehicle?
It’s a good idea to follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on your car and driving conditions. Regular visits to an auto repair shop help catch issues early, saving you money in the long run by preventing major repairs.
9. Can auto body shops repair engine problems?
No, auto body shops specialize in cosmetic repairs like fixing dents, scratches, and broken parts on the exterior of your vehicle. For engine issues or problems under the hood, you’ll need to visit an auto repair shop.
10. Why should I go to All Around Auto Repair for vehicle maintenance?
All Around Auto Repair offers comprehensive services, including diagnostics, repairs, and regular maintenance. Their trained technicians can address immediate issues like brake replacements and ensure your vehicle is running smoothly by preventing future problems. Regular maintenance from All Around Auto Repair can save you money by extending your vehicle’s lifespan and improving performance.
