2 answers
Caleb
Student
Portland, Oregon
3
Questions
Updated
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What are the things you have learned working as an autobody-related-repairer??
I like cars.
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2 answers
Shannon Zulauf
Risk & Independence
54
Answers
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Chiming in from 2026. :)
So I myself am not in auto-body, but my dad owned two auto body shops over his 50-year career in the field. His response to this question is:
“I have learned that when a customer brings you their car, that vehicle is often the second biggest investment they’ve made in their life. You have to take that into consideration and make sure that when you finish the job, it meets both the customer’s standards and your own. The goal is to bring the vehicle back to its original condition—or better. Doing quality work not only builds your customer base through trust and word of mouth, but it also helps ensure longevity in the business, whether you own the shop or work for someone else.
Outside of the technical skills, this career has taught me perspective, precision, and patience. Every repair requires attention to detail, problem-solving, and understanding that you’re not just fixing a car—you’re helping someone get a part of their life back to normal.”
So I myself am not in auto-body, but my dad owned two auto body shops over his 50-year career in the field. His response to this question is:
“I have learned that when a customer brings you their car, that vehicle is often the second biggest investment they’ve made in their life. You have to take that into consideration and make sure that when you finish the job, it meets both the customer’s standards and your own. The goal is to bring the vehicle back to its original condition—or better. Doing quality work not only builds your customer base through trust and word of mouth, but it also helps ensure longevity in the business, whether you own the shop or work for someone else.
Outside of the technical skills, this career has taught me perspective, precision, and patience. Every repair requires attention to detail, problem-solving, and understanding that you’re not just fixing a car—you’re helping someone get a part of their life back to normal.”
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Caleb!
I see you are Going all into it and that is great! So, if you love cars and are thinking about getting into auto body repair, there’s a lot you can learn on the job that goes beyond just fixing dents. I am gonna give you some key takeaways from people who are working in the industry!
Technical Skills & Problem-Solving
🔹 Understanding Vehicle Structures – Learning how different materials (steel, aluminum, carbon fiber) react to damage and repairs.
🔹 Welding & Fabrication – Knowing how to cut, weld, and reshape metal properly.
🔹 Painting & Refinishing – Blending colors and applying clear coats takes precision and patience.
🔹 Electrical & Mechanical Knowledge – Many repairs involve sensors, airbags, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Business & Customer Service
🔹 Estimating & Insurance – Learning how to assess damage and work with insurance companies.
🔹 Customer Communication – Explaining repairs to customers and helping them understand costs and timelines.
🔹 Time Management – Repair shops are fast-paced, so you need to juggle multiple jobs efficiently.
Career Growth & Specializations
🔹 Restoration & Custom Work – Some people specialize in restoring classic cars or custom builds.
🔹 High-End & Exotic Vehicles – Luxury brands require extra skills and certifications.
🔹 Entrepreneurship – Many technicians eventually open their own shops or become independent specialists.
And ofcourse there is The Things You Might Not Expect, which I have also mentioned on your previous question as well, but once again!
It’s Satisfying – Seeing a wrecked car look brand new again feels like magic.
It’s Physically Demanding – Long hours on your feet and working in tight spaces.
It’s Always Changing – New car materials, electric vehicles (EVs), and self-driving technology mean there’s always something new to learn.
Soooo, If you love working with cars and enjoy problem-solving, auto body repair can be a fun, rewarding, and well-paying career—especially if you specialize or start your own shop one day! Good luck and stay blessed man! 🤗
Try an Apprenticeship or Trade School – Hands-on experience is key.
Get Certified – ASE & I-CAR certifications help boost skills and income.
Experiment with DIY Projects – Fix up a project car or help a friend with repairs.
Explore Specialties – From collision repair to custom paint jobs, find what excites you most!
I see you are Going all into it and that is great! So, if you love cars and are thinking about getting into auto body repair, there’s a lot you can learn on the job that goes beyond just fixing dents. I am gonna give you some key takeaways from people who are working in the industry!
Technical Skills & Problem-Solving
🔹 Understanding Vehicle Structures – Learning how different materials (steel, aluminum, carbon fiber) react to damage and repairs.
🔹 Welding & Fabrication – Knowing how to cut, weld, and reshape metal properly.
🔹 Painting & Refinishing – Blending colors and applying clear coats takes precision and patience.
🔹 Electrical & Mechanical Knowledge – Many repairs involve sensors, airbags, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Business & Customer Service
🔹 Estimating & Insurance – Learning how to assess damage and work with insurance companies.
🔹 Customer Communication – Explaining repairs to customers and helping them understand costs and timelines.
🔹 Time Management – Repair shops are fast-paced, so you need to juggle multiple jobs efficiently.
Career Growth & Specializations
🔹 Restoration & Custom Work – Some people specialize in restoring classic cars or custom builds.
🔹 High-End & Exotic Vehicles – Luxury brands require extra skills and certifications.
🔹 Entrepreneurship – Many technicians eventually open their own shops or become independent specialists.
And ofcourse there is The Things You Might Not Expect, which I have also mentioned on your previous question as well, but once again!
It’s Satisfying – Seeing a wrecked car look brand new again feels like magic.
It’s Physically Demanding – Long hours on your feet and working in tight spaces.
It’s Always Changing – New car materials, electric vehicles (EVs), and self-driving technology mean there’s always something new to learn.
Soooo, If you love working with cars and enjoy problem-solving, auto body repair can be a fun, rewarding, and well-paying career—especially if you specialize or start your own shop one day! Good luck and stay blessed man! 🤗
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