As a car owner, you definitely want to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition. Unfortunately, accidents could happen, which could leave your car heavily damaged and require professional attention. This is where collision repair comes in.
But aside from putting your car back in shape, what’s really the main goal of going to an auto body shop?
In this post, we will discuss the importance of collision repair and why you should always go for professional help. So buckle up and read on!
The Main Goals of Auto Body Collision Repair
Auto collision repair is a complicated and often expensive process, depending on the extent of the car’s damage. But whatever fender-bender you figured into, the following are the main reasons why professional repair is crucial:
1. Ensuring Your Safety First
The main point of car collision repair ensuring the roadworthiness of your car. This way, you’ll be cruising down the road safely and avoid another potential accident.
Take note that after a collision, the damage to your car is more than just superficial. It may look like a common dent, but it can be more serious like a misaligned body that could put you and your passengers at risk.
This is why you should always bring your car to professionals after figuring into an accident. Unlike amateurs, professionals have the right tools, equipment, and knowledge to inspect your vehicle. Ultimately, they are fully equipped to bring your car back to its original shape and functionality.
During the repair process, technicians will conduct a thorough examination of your car. They will search for damages that can affect your safety and the overall performance of your vehicle. This includes searching the frame, suspension, and other parts for possible issues.
2. Diagnosing and Assessing Damage
Before any repairs can be done to your car, an in-depth diagnosis is necessary to determine the extent of the damage. Take note that if the body shop decides to skip diagnosis and go straight to repairs, you should bring your car elsewhere.
Professional collision repair shops use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the damages of your vehicle. This includes damages that are not easily seen by the naked eye, which means it goes beyond your broken bumper or shattered windshield.
By conducting a diagnosis, technicians will know what course of repairs they need to take. It will also let them give you an estimate on the duration of repairs and how much it will cost.
3. Structural Repair and Alignment
A collision repair center’s main goal is to restore the alignment and structural integrity of your car. They do this to make your car “drive-worthy” again.
However, this is often easier said than done. Auto body technicians have to perform specialized techniques to ensure that your car’s frame is straight and properly aligned. It’s because poor alignment will directly impact how well your car will respond to various controls.
To do this, technicians will have to secure your vehicle on a platform using hydraulic arms and clamps. This will hold your car in place as the technicians work around its body.
Depending on your car’s condition, technicians may use methods like hydraulic ram, heat and pull, or frame section replacement.
4. Repairing Exterior Damage
The most common problem you’ll face after a collision is visible damage to your car’s body. It can be a minor scratch or a crumpled panel. Whatever it is, you need quality collision repair to have it fixed properly.
Take note that reshaping a damaged panel or popping a dent out of your car requires special tools and skills. While amateur shops may offer you a lower cost, the quality of their work may not be at par with professional counterparts.
Also, you should know that the exterior parts of your car are its first line of defense against outdoor elements. If it’s not in good condition, your car will easily sustain more body damage. That spells more expenses for you in the future.
5. Replacing Safety Components
Your car’s safety components may have to be replaced after a collision. This way, your car will pass safety inspections and you’ll be 100% safe on the road.
Some of the component replacements that you may have to pay for are airbags, seat belts, and sensors. These are the basic safety components on your car that will likely get damaged after an accident. And in some years, it would be illegal to drive if these parts are compromised.
After all, investing in replacements will protect you and your passengers in case you get into another accident – knock on wood – in the future.
6. Paint and Finish Restoration
Did you know that restoring your car’s paint and finish is also part of automotive collision repair? This way, your vehicle will be in perfect condition from the inside and out. It will also ensure that your vehicle will have its curb appeal back after the accident.
In general, your chosen auto body shop will match your car’s original color and finish. This way, you don’t have to pay for an entire paint job. But if you have the budget and you want a new look for your vehicle, collision damage might be the perfect excuse for you to do so!
As part of advanced collision repair, your car’s technicians will need to use special tools and equipment for paint matching. Most of the time, you’ll see auto shops using custom software for this. It’s because some of the pigment differences may not be easily visible to the naked eye.
Overall, getting your car’s paint and finish touched up will bring the beauty of your car back. It’s also a fresh new start, especially if you’ve gotten into a pretty serious road accident.
7. Quality Control and Testing
You should know that a technician’s job doesn’t end after restoring your car’s components. They also have to perform testing to ensure that your car is safe to drive again.
For example, a premier collision repair will perform post-repair testing and safety inspections on your car. Depending on the damage, you can also expect them to do a test drive just to make sure that everything is in good condition.
It’s also a protection for your money since you wouldn’t want your newly repaired car to break down due to an undetected problem. This will also give you peace of mind, especially if you’ve spent a big amount on getting your car restored.
The Importance of Choosing Professional Collision Repair Services
Road accidents are scary – both in terms of the physical trauma and the repair cost they can bring. Still, you should always know that professional collision repair is always the best choice in these situations.
Of course, you might be tempted to do a DIY repair or go to someone that offers the lowest price. This could work on minor damages, but it’s a different story if your car got in a serious fender-bender.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, professionals have the right tools and skills for in-depth diagnosis. They can detect problems that amateurs won’t. Aside from that, they have access to OEM parts and have been certified by various car manufacturers to perform repairs without compromising your unit’s warranty.
Also, you should know that collision experts don’t look for damages just to milk money from you. It’s their duty to ensure that your car is in the best condition, so you’ll be safe on the road again.
Besides, entrusting your car to an expert will give you peace of mind, knowing that the repairs will be of the highest quality possible. Above all, you can hold the auto body shop accountable if you’re not happy with the results.
So if you want your damaged car restored properly after a collision, going to the expert will be the smart choice. The upfront cost might be higher, but you’ll save money in the long run by avoiding guesswork from amateurs.
Conclusion
Always remember that you should always take collision damage seriously. Regardless if your car looks fine, it’s best that you bring it to an expert for an in-depth inspection. After all, repairs are all about ensuring your safety and restoring your car’s beauty.
Although you’d have to spend a bit more, professional collision repairs would be a great investment. It will restore your car and potentially increase its lifespan. You’ll also hit the road with confidence knowing that your vehicle has been taken care of by experts.
If you’re worried about the cost, don’t hesitate to ask for a collision repair estimate from different shops. From there, compare your options and see who gives the best value for collision repair.
