With a large number of bridges, tunnels and highways in Hampton Roads, Virginia it is no wonder there is a traffic accident in the region every 19 minutes. It is the most likely area in Virginia to have a vehicle wreck. As a result, many people must take their cars to a Hampton Roads body shop to be fixed. There are many parts of a vehicle that can be repaired or replaced after an accident, making it safe and looking just like new.

Windshield

Auto glass is one of the most common items that must be replaced after an auto accident. Although the windshield on modern vehicles is specially designed to spider web instead of shatter in a collision, the glass still needs to be replaced. Virginia state vehicle inspections require a windshield that is both safe and allows for full visibility without obstruction from cracks, dings and spider webs. Replacing a windshield or other windows is not a do-it-yourself project for most car owners. It is a project best left to a professional to ensure a leak-free installation. Making sure windows glide properly on automatic or manual crank tracks is also tricky for the amateur.

Quarter Panels

The front and rear quarter panels on vehicles are frequently crunched in motor vehicle accidents. They must be replaced to avoid damaging the tires. Reconnecting and replacing the taillights and turn signal panels is also a side effect of quarter panel damage. This can be done at any Hampton Roads auto body shop, such as a Chesapeake collision center, which is centrally located in the area.

Front End Damage

With head-on collisions, the front end usually sustains the most damage. This requires fixing the hood, front fender, radiator and/or headlights. This may be expensive to repair, but generally costs less than replacing the entire vehicle. Insurance claims can also reduce the cost. Driving without repairing the damage is structurally unsafe and may cause the car to overheat or the headlights and signals to not work properly. The hood can become unlatched and open while travelling or leak during the frequent rainstorms in Hampton Roads.

Paint

Replacing panels and hoods with a used panel from another vehicle is one option for accident repairs, but it is difficult to find one to match in color. A local Chesapeake auto body shop can paint the replacement parts or the entire vehicle to make it match. Driving around with mismatched auto panels is embarrassing and an advertisement that the driver has been in an accident. Once it has been fixed and painted, it looks as good as new.