In South Africa, when your vehicle needs repairs after an accident or damage, you might expect your panel beater to have all the necessary parts on hand. However, the reality is that most panel beaters do not carry parts for every make and model of vehicle. Here’s why this is the case and what you need to know about the repair process.
The Complexity of Stocking Parts in South Africa
South Africa is home to a diverse range of vehicles from various manufacturers worldwide. Each manufacturer produces different models, often with unique specifications and parts. For any panel beater, stocking parts for every possible vehicle would require enormous storage facilities and capital, which could significantly increase repair costs for customers.
Instead, panel beaters across the country typically order parts as needed, directly from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or authorized distributors. This approach ensures that the parts used are genuine, designed to meet the exact specifications of your vehicle, which is essential for maintaining the safety and performance of your car.
Understanding the Unpainted Parts from OEMs
A common misconception among South African vehicle owners is that parts ordered from OEMs arrive pre-painted and ready to install. In reality, these parts are usually delivered unpainted. This might seem surprising, but there’s a good reason behind it.
Each vehicle has a specific paint code that ensures a perfect colour match during repairs. When a part is replaced, your panel beater must paint it to match the rest of the vehicle. This involves using the vehicle's unique paint code to mix the exact colour before applying it to the new part.
The Importance of Precision in Paint Matching
For South African panel beaters, the paint-matching process is critical to achieving a seamless repair. Given the harsh sun and varied climate conditions across the country, even the slightest colour mismatch can be noticeable. Professional panel beaters use advanced technology and techniques to ensure that the new paint perfectly matches the original, preserving your car’s appearance and value.
What This Means for Your Repair Timeline
Because parts need to be ordered and painted, it’s important to understand that repairs might take a bit longer than you might expect. However, this process ensures that your vehicle is repaired to the highest standards, using genuine parts and paint that matches perfectly.
Conclusion
At HJ Bosch & Sons, we pride ourselves on using only the best parts and materials to restore your vehicle. Understanding why parts are ordered and painted as they are can help set your expectations and give you peace of mind, knowing that your car is in expert hands.
Visit www.hjbosch-sons.co.za for more information on our services or to book a repair.
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