Just one crash can leave your car looking like, well, a wreck. Accidents happen. But getting in an accident also means you have to worry about auto body repairs. Sometimes they can be pretty simple, but other times, they’re more complex. And sometimes, they involve parts of your car you didn’t even know existed.
In this article, we’ll talk about everything quarter panels: what and where they are, how they get damaged, and how to decide if quarter panel repairs or replacements are best for you.
What Is a Quarter Panel?
A quarter panel is part of the outer structure of a vehicle. It is typically welded to the car frame and sits behind the rear doors and above the rear wheels. It provides cosmetic and sometimes structural support to your vehicle.
What Are Quarter Panels Made Of?
Quarter panels are usually made from sheet metal. These are typically different types of steel or aluminum, but modern car manufacturers are trying materials like fiberglass, fiber-reinforced plastic, or carbon fiber. Since quarter panels are constructed with protection in mind, the materials used to make them are sturdy and strong.
How Do Quarter Panels Differ From Fenders?
If you’ve never heard of a quarter panel, you may have heard of its neighbor, the fender. Both are part of the sheet metal or outer casing of a car’s body, but their locations and replacement difficulty are different.
- Fenders are the panels at the front of the car, above and around the front wheels.
- Quarter Panels are at the rear end of the car, covering the area by the trunk and around the rear wheels.
Fenders are relatively easy to replace because they are bolted onto the car. Quarter panel repair, on the other hand, is much harder. These panels are welded onto the car frame, so they are more expensive to repair or replace.
How Do Quarter Panels Get Damaged?
- Minor Dents: These are often caused by low-impact collisions or parking lot door dings.
- Scratches and Scuffs: Tree branches, shopping carts, or other vehicles can leave scratches and scuffs on your auto body.
- Rust and Corrosion: Moisture, weathering, dirt, and salts from the road can cause rust and other corrosion.
- Structural Damage: High-speed collisions or intense impacts can destroy your quarter panel. This can lead to structural issues and underlying damage.
When Can a Quarter Panel Be Repaired?
Getting an estimate from a licensed repair professional will help you determine if your car needs quarter panel repairs or a full replacement. Here are some common repair-only situations:
1. Surface-Level Scratches or Scuffs
Damage to your vehicle’s surface (things that don’t get past the paint or metal beneath) can usually be buffed out or polished to repair.
2. Minor Dents Without Creases
Small, shallow dents—especially those without sharp edges or bends—can be repaired with paintless dent repair (PDR). That way, you can get dents repaired without more expensive paint jobs.
3. Limited Rust
If you catch any rusting early, you can get it to a repair shop before it becomes a serious problem. The repair usually involves sanding down the section and treating it.
4. Overall Structural Integrity
Sometimes, the damage isn’t bad enough to damage other areas of the car. If the damage is only cosmetic, a skilled repair technician can repair it easily.
When Does a Quarter Panel Need to Be Replaced?
If the damage is more serious, quarter panel repair might not be an option. Here are some cases where you should look into getting your quarter panel replaced instead:
1. Extensive Structural Damage
Some cosmetic dents may appear minor but often signal deeper structural issues. Look out for intense crumpling, bending, or warping.
2. Deep Rust or Rot
Severe rusting can damage the quarter panel beyond repair. When the rust has spread or eaten through the metal, it’s a good time for a full replacement.
3. Damage Affecting Rear Alignment
A damaged quarter panel can affect your car’s alignment too. When getting your car repaired, it’s important to address any structural issues that could lead to alignment issues or problems down the road.
Factors to Consider: Repair or Replace?
If you’re contemplating quarter panel repair or replacement, it’s important to keep these factors in mind:
- Extent of the Damage: Surface damage issues like dents or scrapes are generally okay with repairs. Deeper damage to the panel or frame usually means a full replacement.
- Vehicle Age and Value: Older vehicles or those with a low market value may not be worth the cost of a replacement.
- Insurance Coverage: Do some research on what your insurance plan covers and what it doesn’t. Sometimes plans cover repairs but require you to foot the replacement bill.
- Safety and Integrity: The most important thing to keep in mind is the safety and integrity of your vehicle. And that means your safety too.
Get Your Expert Quarter Panel Repair Estimate at Valley Collision
The quarter panel plays an important role in your vehicle’s appearance and structure. If it’s damaged, figuring out whether to repair or replace it can be tricky. That’s where Valley Collision comes in. Our trusted team will walk you through your options and make sure both you and your vehicle are well taken care of.
Get a free online estimate today and learn how Valley Collision can get your car looking and feeling like new.
