If you’ve ever been confused by terms on a quote or struggled to explain damage, you’re not alone. We use these words every day in a bodyshop, but most people don’t.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the main car parts and, more importantly, which ones can actually be repaired. I’ll also include a few pro tips along the way so you know what to look out for and where you can save money.

What’s the difference between Near Side and Off Side?

The Part: Near Side (N/S). The left side of the car. Passenger side.

Material: Not a physical part
Can it be easily taken off: Not applicable
Can it be repaired: Not applicable

Pro Tip: The easiest way to remember it. Near side is near the kerb.

The Part: Off Side (O/S). The right side of the car. Driver’s side.

Material: Not a physical part
Can it be easily taken off: Not applicable
Can it be repaired: Not applicable

Pro Tip: Off side means off the kerb. Once you remember that, you’ll never mix them up again.

Front End Car Parts Explained. What Can Be Repaired or Replaced?

The Part: Bonnet. The large front panel you lift to access the engine.

Material: Usually aluminium or steel
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, it’s bolted on
Can it be repaired: Yes, but if aluminium is split or heavily creased it usually needs replacing

Pro Tip: Aluminium bonnets don’t like sharp creases. If it’s folded, it’s often quicker and cheaper to replace than repair.

The Part: Front Bumper. The lower front section that takes the impact in minor bumps.

Material: Usually plastic
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, clipped and bolted on
Can it be repaired: Only very minor cracks can be plastic welded. If the bumper has snapped or split through, it’s usually a replacement

Pro Tip: If you can physically see the bumper has split apart, it’s almost always a replace job. Repairs are only worth it on light cracks before they spread.

The Part: Wing. The panel above the front wheel between the bumper and door.

Material: Steel or aluminium, sometimes composite
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, bolted on
Can it be repaired: Yes in most cases, but heavily creased aluminium ones are often replaced

Pro Tip: Wings are one of the easiest panels to swap. Replacement is often more cost-effective than heavy repair.

The Part: Splitter. The low lip at the very bottom of the front bumper.

Material: Plastic or composite
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, screwed or clipped on
Can it be repaired: Sometimes, but usually replaced due to wear

Pro Tip: Splitters are designed to take damage. Most customers replace them rather than repair them.

Side Car Body Parts Explained. What Repairs Are Possible?

The Part: Door. The main panel that gives access to the inside of the car.

Material: Steel or aluminium
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, but requires swapping over window, wiring and trims if replaced
Can it be repaired: Yes in most cases, unless heavily creased near hinges

Pro Tip: Replacing a door isn’t just bolt-on. Labour to swap everything over adds up, so repair is often the better option.

The Part: Quarter Panel. The rear side panel between the back door and rear bumper.

Material: Steel or aluminium
Can it be easily taken off: No, it’s welded to the car
Can it be repaired: Depends. Minor damage can be repaired. Heavy damage can affect structural integrity

Pro Tip: This is where costs increase quickly. Because it’s structural, bad damage here can push a car into write-off territory.

The Part: Sill. The structural beam running directly under your doors.

Material: Reinforced steel
Can it be easily taken off: No, it’s part of the shell
Can it be repaired: Yes, but requires proper structural repair

Pro Tip: Don’t confuse a metal sill with a plastic sill cover. If it’s the actual sill, damage here can lead to an MOT failure if ignored.

The Part: Side Step. A step fitted below the doors, mainly on SUVs and pickups.

Material: Metal, aluminium or composite
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, bolted on
Can it be repaired: Sometimes, but usually replaced if bent

Pro Tip: Side steps are often cheaper to replace than repair. They’re designed to take the damage.

The Part: Petrol Cap. The small flap covering the fuel filler on the rear quarter.

Material: Metal outer flap with plastic housing behind
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, the flap is easily detachable
Can it be repaired: Minor issues can be fixed. Damage around it is treated as quarter panel repair

Pro Tip: We often remove petrol caps to colour match paint perfectly. It’s one of the easiest parts to detach.

Wheels and Lower Car Parts Explained. What Can Be Repaired?

The Part: Wheel. The full assembly including tyre and alloy.

Material: Metal wheel with rubber tyre
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, bolted on
Can it be repaired: Yes, depending on damage

Pro Tip: Not all damaged wheels need replacing. Refurbs, crack welding and straightening can save a lot if caught early.

The Part: Tyre. The rubber outer layer that contacts the road.

Material: Rubber compound
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, with proper equipment
Can it be repaired: Depends. Minor punctures can be repaired. Sidewall damage means replacement

Pro Tip: Sidewall damage is never worth risking. Even if it looks minor, it’s always a replacement job.

The Part: Alloy Wheel. The metal rim and spokes inside the tyre.

Material: Aluminium alloy, sometimes steel
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, as part of the wheel
Can it be repaired: Yes, most cosmetic damage can be refurbished

Pro Tip: Diamond cut alloys can only be refurbished a limited number of times before the finish becomes too thin.

The Part: Wheel Arch. The plastic trim around the edge of the wheel opening.

Material: Plastic trim
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, clipped on
Can it be repaired: Sometimes, but usually replaced if damaged

Pro Tip: If it’s just the plastic arch trim, it’s a cheap fix. If the metal behind it is damaged, that’s a bigger job.

Rear and Pickup Car Parts Explained. What Can Be Repaired or Replaced?

The Part: Spoiler. The rear trim fitted for styling and airflow.

Material: Plastic or composite
Can it be easily taken off: Yes
Can it be repaired: Sometimes, but often replaced

Pro Tip: Replacing a spoiler usually gives a better finish than repairing, especially on premium cars.

The Part: Tailgate. The rear door that opens into the boot or load area.

Material: Steel or aluminium
Can it be easily taken off: Yes, but involves wiring and hinges
Can it be repaired: Yes, unless heavily damaged

Pro Tip: Tailgates often contain cameras and wiring, so damage isn’t always just cosmetic.

The Part: Bed. The open load area on a pickup truck.

Material: Steel or aluminium
Can it be easily taken off: No, part of the structure
Can it be repaired: Yes, but can be more involved

Pro Tip: Cosmetic damage inside the bed is common. Structural damage underneath is what really matters.

The Part: Bed Side. The outer panel of the pickup load area.

Material: Steel or aluminium
Can it be easily taken off: No, welded and structural
Can it be repaired: Depends, often complex

Pro Tip: Like a quarter panel, repairs here can get expensive quickly due to how the panel is built into the vehicle.

Which Car Parts Can Be Repaired vs Replaced? Quick Summary

Most bolt-on parts like bumpers, wings, doors and trims are straightforward and cost-effective to repair or replace.

Structural parts like quarter panels and sills are more complex. They can be repaired, but it takes more time, skill and cost.

If you’re unsure, just send us a photo. We’ll tell you exactly what you’re looking at and the best way to fix it

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