Collision Center Queries

Auto Repair vs. Auto Body Shop: What’s the Difference?

A common question we hear at Eli’s Collision Repair is, “What is the difference between an auto repair shop vs. auto body shop?” Many Santa Monica and Beverly Hills drivers are wondering the same thing, as the two terms are often used interchangeably. However, there are several ways they are different. If you are also wondering about the difference between a service center vs. collision repair center, the guide below should clear up your questions! 

What is an Auto Repair Shop?

An auto repair shop generally performs regular maintenance and repairs moving parts of the vehicle. Mechanics do not specialize in restoring cosmetic aspects of a vehicle. When your vehicle is in need of a tune-up or there is a component that needs to be replaced, you will want to visit a service center in downtown LA rather than an auto body shop.

Below, you will find some of the most common services performed by a mechanic at a service center: 

  • Brake replacement
  • Oil changes
  • Repair of engine components that wear out or become damaged during use
  • Repair moving components of the vehicle
  • Wheel alignment
  • Tire rotations

What is an Auto Body Shop?

An auto body shop, on the other hand, repairs damage to the exterior and non-moving parts of the vehicle. Body shops specialize in more cosmetic repairs rather than work on brakes, perform electrical repairs, or replace damaged engine components. Collision repair centers also work on structural issues of a vehicle. 

Here is just a sampling of the services performed at an auto body shop like Eli’s Collision Repair: 

  • Repair dents in sheet metal
  • Car paint restoration
  • Replace damaged bumpers or body panels
  • Repair or replace glass
  • Fix scratches

Visit the Experts at Eli’s Collision Repair

Now that you know the difference between an auto repair shop vs. auto body shop, you may now be able to set up an appointment with the experts at Eli’s Collision Repair. Our team has the knowledge and experience to get your vehicle looking as it did the day it left the showroom. If you still have questions about whether you need to bring your vehicle to a service center vs. collision repair center near Inglewood, we would be happy to discuss your repair needs. Contact us today for more information. 

LDM

Recent Posts

Collision Repair and Your Car Warranty: What You Need to Know

A new vehicle is a significant investment, and the manufacturer's warranty that comes with it…

2 weeks ago

What Happens to My Car During a Collision?

When a collision occurs, the forces involved happen in fractions of a second, far faster…

2 weeks ago

How Modern Car Sensors and Cameras Are Recalibrated After a Collision

Today's vehicles are remarkably sophisticated machines. Beneath the bodywork and beyond the engine, a network…

2 weeks ago

How to Spot a Low-Quality Collision Repair Job

Not every collision repair looks the same a year after the work is done. A…

2 weeks ago

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts: Why OEM is the Better Choice

When your vehicle needs collision repair, one of the most consequential decisions made during the…

2 months ago

What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident

A car accident, even a minor one, is a jarring experience. In the moments and…

2 months ago