Every time you get behind the wheel of your vehicle, you run the risk of being involved in an accident. Collisions of all intensities have the potential to cause paint damage to your vehicle.

Paint repairs are among the most commonly completed in modern collision repair shops. While it might seem like all you have to do is paint over the damaged area with a fresh coat, there is a lot more that goes into paint damage repair.

Here are three things that you will need to take into consideration when investing in paint damage repairs for your vehicle.

1. Color Availability

In order to create a flawless finish, a collision repair shop must be able to match your car's existing paint color when repairing damage.

Automotive manufacturers will list the code associated with your vehicle's paint color on an informational sticker that is usually located on the inner door panel. A technician can use this code to source the right paint color.

If the color you need is no longer being manufactured or can't be located on the open market, you may have to consider painting your whole vehicle if you want a smooth and flawless finish.

2. Scratch Depth

The depth of the scratches that have damaged your vehicle's paint will play a role in determining how involved the repair process will be.

All vehicles are finished with three layers of paint at a manufacturing facility. These layers are the primer, base coat, and clear coat. The primer helps the base coat adhere to the sheet metal frame of the vehicle. The base coat provides the color, and the clear coat creates a protective barrier over the base coat.

If a scratch has only damaged the clear coat, a technician will be able to buff out the scratch easily. If the scratch extends into the base coat or primer, more extensive restorative work is needed to ensure your vehicle won't rust over time.

3. Location

The location of the damage can also affect the repair process. Some areas of your vehicle's exterior are more accessible than others. A technician will have a much easier time addressing paint damage on a door or in the middle of your hood.

Paint damage located on the quarter panels or on any of the curved surfaces of your vehicle can be more difficult to eliminate. Location will play a role in determining the amount of time it takes to fix your paint damage, as well as the total cost for repairs.

Contact an auto collision repair technician to learn more.