When it comes to collision repair, it’s important to understand the steps involved in order to get a quality and safe repair. The following are the general steps that should be taken when repairing a vehicle after an accident:
1. Damage Assessment
A qualified technician assesses the damage to determine what repairs need to be made and how long they will take. A damage assessment can cover all of the following:
- Body damage
- Structural damage
- Mechanical damage
- Mechanical paintwork
All of these factors need to be taken into account in order to make an accurate repair plan.
2. Estimate of Repairs
The shop prepares an estimate of all parts and labor needed to repair the vehicle, including any additional services required such as painting or refinishing.
3. Order Parts
Any parts that need to be replaced are ordered and may take a few days to arrive at the shop so it’s best to plan ahead. The kind of parts you may need can include any of the following:
- Body panels
- Airbags
- Glass
- Lights
- Mirrors
- Bumpers
- Grills
- Fenders
These can be found either through a parts dealer or directly from the vehicle’s manufacturer.
4. Disassembly & Repair
In some cases, minor repairs can be made without taking apart the vehicle, but more extensive repairs usually require disassembly of various components so that each area can be properly repaired.
5. Refinishing & Reassembly
Once repairs have been completed, the vehicle is reassembled and any parts that need to be painted or refinished are taken care of before they are reattached. This kind of cosmetic work is done in a separate area than where the mechanical repairs are done.
6. Quality Control & Final Inspection
Before it leaves the shop, a qualified technician performs a final quality control check to make sure all repairs have been completed properly.
Otherwise, the customer can be left with a vehicle that is unsafe and prone to future problems.
7. Delivery & Customer Follow-up
The vehicle is cleaned and detailed before it’s returned to the customer, and a representative of the shop follows up with them to ensure they are satisfied with their repair experience.
The follow-up is a crucial part of the process because it gives customers an opportunity to voice any concerns they may have and allows the shop to address them quickly if needed.
Collision repair can be a complex process, but understanding these steps helps ensure that your vehicle is repaired properly and safely.
8. Record Keeping
The shop maintains records of all repairs performed, so that any future repair needs can be quickly and easily addressed.
Following these steps in the collision repair process will ensure that your vehicle is repaired correctly and efficiently, and returned to you looking like new. By working with a qualified auto body shop, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in good hands so if you’re still unsure about how to proceed, make sure you get a trusted opinion of an auto body professional.
