An auto body shop and an auto mechanic shop may sound identical. But, there are many differences between the two. If you understand how auto body and mechanic shops differ from one another, you can find the right car professionals to fix your vehicle.

What Is a Body Shop?

An auto body repair shop fixes problems relating to a car's exterior and non-moving parts. Common body shop repairs include:

• Car restoration following an accident or collision
• Dent repairs
• Car paint restoration
• Bumper repairs or replacement
• Auto body panel repairs or replacement
• Windshield repairs or replacement

Body shops are located in cities and towns across the United States. Meanwhile, the top-rated body shops typically employ certified and trained technicians who understand how to diagnose and fix myriad vehicle issues properly.

What Is a Mechanic Shop?

An auto mechanic shop performs regular car repairs and maintenance. It can fix or replace moving car parts, including:

• Brakes
• Engine components
• Exhaust system

Additionally, an auto mechanic shop provides oil changes and other services designed to help car owners keep their vehicles running at peak levels.

Auto Body vs. Auto Repair: Which One Do You Need?

Deciding between an auto body repair shop and an auto mechanic shop is simple. If you need repairs for your car's exterior or non-moving parts, you should visit a body shop. Comparatively, if you need to correct issues relating to any moving car parts, you should consult with a mechanic shop. Regardless of whether you need an auto body or mechanic shop, you should work with car professionals who provide expert support. To find the best auto body or repair shop, you should:

1. Evaluate the Shop's Services

Visit an auto body or mechanic shop's website to learn about its services. The best auto body shops offer a full range of services so you can get all of your repairs done in one roof. On the other hand, the best mechanic shops usually include, but not excluded to, the following services:

• Brake repairs
• Transmission repairs
• Tune-ups
• Oil changes

You may want to contact an auto body or mechanic shop directly for additional information about its services, too. That way, you can discuss any car issues you are dealing with and find out how an auto body or mechanic shop can help you address them.

2. Ask Questions

As you assess auto body and mechanic shops, you should ask them questions about the services and support they provide. Key questions to ask an auto body or mechanic shop include:

• Does your shop utilize new, aftermarket, and/or used parts when it performs repairs?
• Do you offer a warranty for your work? And if so, how long does the warranty last?
• Does your shop carry fire and theft insurance?
• How long will it take you to fix my car?
• Do you employ certified and trained technicians?

Remember, there is no such thing as a "bad" question to ask an auto body or mechanic shop. If you learn as much as you can about auto body and mechanic shops, you can gain insights to help you make an informed decision.

3. Read Customer Reviews

Find out what past customers are saying about an auto body or mechanic shop. In doing so, you can learn what it is like to work with a particular auto body or mechanic shop before you make your final decision. Generally, an auto body or mechanic shop will publish customer reviews and testimonials on its website so you can reference recent and past experiences from other customers. If you are looking for a reliable body shop that provides top-quality repairs, look no further than Fix Auto. Every location is rated Gold Class by I-CAR, which means our craftsmen are all up to date with the latest repair technologies and methodologies. So use our location finder to find the closest Fix Auto near you!   This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Downtown LA, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing Los Angeles and all surrounding communities.