When it comes to car repairs, especially after an accident or cosmetic damage, there’s a lot of misleading advice floating around online and on social media. The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), a respected industry body, recently shared expert insights to help motorists separate fact from fiction.
At Pronto Panelbeaters, we fully support this consumer education effort and want to share the key takeaways for anyone who values quality repairs, safety, and long‑term protection of their vehicle investment.
🚗 Myth 1 — A Tiny Scratch Isn’t a Big Deal
Reality: Even small scratches can open the paint surface to moisture and UV light, which can lead to rust underneath the paint long before you see visible damage. What seems minor now can turn into a much larger repair later.
🚧 Myth 2 — If the Bumper Looks Fine, There’s No Problem
Reality: Modern vehicles have complex safety systems hidden behind bumpers — including crash sensors and energy absorbers. A light hit that leaves the bumper looking intact could still have damaged these parts, affecting safety in future collisions.
🪥 Myth 3 — Toothpaste or Baking Soda Can Remove Scratches
Reality: Household abrasives aren’t designed for automotive paints. They can actually dull the finish and leave uneven patches that require professional polishing or repainting to fix.
🛠️ Myth 4 — A Plunger or Suction Cup Will Fix Dents
Reality: DIY dent techniques often stretch metal or damage the paint. Proper paintless dent repair (PDR) uses specialist tools and trained technicians who know how to manipulate the metal without causing further harm.
🎨 Myth 5 — Touch‑Up Paint from a Store Will Match Your Car
Reality: Modern automotive paints involve complex multi‑stage finishes. A brush‑on touch‑up is unlikely to match the original colour and texture, often making the spot even more noticeable.
🔧 Myth 6 — Replacement Parts Arrive Already Painted
Reality: Most replacement parts are supplied in primer and must be colour‑matched and painted in a workshop. This process takes time and requires skill to get right.
🔍 Myth 7 — Hairline Cracks Always Mean Poor Workmanship
Reality: Sometimes fine cracks result from pressure on a flexible bumper after painting — not necessarily because of bad repair work. A trained technician will know how to assess what caused the crack.
Essential Advice from SAMBRA Experts
Beyond correcting myths, SAMBRA highlights a few practical tips to protect your vehicle and its finish:
- Regular washes keep corrosive road contaminants at bay.
- Remove bird droppings or tree sap quickly, as they can etch paint.
- Repair stone chips early to stop rust from spreading.
- Check wheel alignment after pothole or kerb impacts.
- Be careful with multiple DIY polishing sessions — this can strip the clear coat.
- Keep repair records from accredited repairers — this adds resale value and proof of quality work.
- When in doubt, get a professional inspection — it’s better to catch potential issues early.
Final Thought
At Pronto Panelbeaters, we know that informed vehicle owners make better decisions. Modern cars are engineered with precision, and even small issues can escalate if not handled by trained professionals. If you’re ever unsure about a repair or damage, contact us for a thorough assessment, your safety and peace of mind matter most.
Source: “SAMBRA experts debunk common motor body repair myths,” originally published on AutoForum and shared via industry news platforms (January 2026).
