A1 Autocheck Paint Depth Analysis
A1 Autocheck is forever striving to do our job better. We have recently purchased a coating depth meter which allows us to check the thickness of the paint on vehicle panels. In the past all that could be done was a visual check to body panels for the presence of paint imperfections and signs of body fillers. But by having the paint depth meter we can accurately check for signs of body filler by doing a paint depth analysis.
How does it work?
The paint depth meter uses ultrasound, it then accurately calculates the depth of paint by detecting the time it takes for the ultrasound wave to bounce back. It can be used on any metallic part of the vehicles body.
Does it damage the paint?
No, it does not cause any damage to the vehicles paint or body panels.
Why should i get a paint depth analysis done when i have my vehicle inspected?
Getting a paint analysis done gives you a better picture of the vehicles body condition. It can detect the presence of body fillers and putty’s. For example; by checking paint thicknesses on a panel we can find its average paint thickness. If there have been body fillers used that thickness will be greater, if the average for a front guard panel was 3.5mm and the front corner reading was 4.9 then you would have to conclude that some fillers had been used and an accident repair had been carried out. If you are getting an older or restored car inspected where there would have been definite rust repairs I would highly recommend getting a paint analysis done.
Are all paint depths the same?
No, it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Other things that can vary the paint depth are temperature and humidity at the time of painting, also the use of etching and hi-fill primers. Custom paints and multi layered effects paint will also have very different readings.
I have a vehicle that has aluminium panels can it still be checked?
Not a problem, our paint depth meter works on all magnetic and non magnetic metals.
So ask for a paint depth analysis with your next pre-purchase inspection.
