Unfortunately, sometimes auto accidents are inevitable. And when you find yourself in one, the importance of auto body repair cannot be understated.
Auto body collision repairs help to ensure your safety and preserve the value of your vehicle. But what happens during the auto body collision repair process?
Assess the Damage
This step involves a thorough inspection of your vehicle to determine the extent of the damage and the repair procedures that will be necessary.
Damage assessment helps to estimate the cost of repairs and the time necessary to complete them. The technician will forward all the data collected in this step to you and your insurance company.
Wait for Insurance Approval
Your insurer evaluates the data and decides whether or not to approve the repair. During this process, you may have negotiations to settle on a repair plan or damaged parts that need replacing.
Not all vehicles after a collision are repairable, so let the insurance company be the judge.
Disassemble the Vehicle
After the green light from the insurance company, your auto body collision technician will begin to disassemble your vehicle. This step allows a more thorough examination of the frame and other parts of your car to find hidden damages.
The auto repair shop may contact the insurer again at this point if the technician finds additional damage to adjust the estimates. And even in cases where the car does not have further damage, some insurance companies want to assess the vehicle before repairs continue.
Repair or Replace Damaged Parts
Your technician can now order parts if necessary and begin repairs. Your car may require a metal and framework repair based on the extent of the damage.
The repair technicians employ diagnostic systems and frame machines to determine the exact shape and size of the required parts. The specialist may also use electronic measuring systems to align your vehicle’s frame properly. The goal is to restore your car’s frame to its original position before the accident. The technician also checks and repairs the suspension and wheel at this stage.
Prepare for Paintwork
After the frame is done, the vehicle is ready for paint preparation. First, the technician will tape off and cover parts of the car that don’t need to paint.
The expert will sand the parts that need paintwork to help the new paint adhere better. After sanding, the expert primes the vehicle and applies a basecoat. The base coat resembles the color of the car. The car also needs a glossy clear coat to protect the paint and give the vehicle a shiny finish.
Reassemble the Vehicle
Vehicle reassembly is probably the most time-consuming part of the process. A minor mistake can cause significant problems, so technicians take great care while putting the car back together.
For instance, if the technician misses a bolt while attaching the bumper, the bumper may come loose while you drive and cause an accident. Technicians often use a checklist to ensure they don’t miss any steps during reassembly. The specialists should also do a test drive to check that all the systems are working correctly and that there are no rattles or other issues.
The final step is to clean the vehicle inside and out and do a final inspection. This step is your chance to ask the technician about any concerns you may have about the repairs. If everything looks good, you can take your car and enjoy driving it again.
Auto-body collision repair is complex, but your technician will work hard to get your car back to its pre-accident condition. Ask questions and express any concerns about the repairs so that you can be confident in the work your vehicle undergoes.
Most importantly, work with a reliable and reputable auto body shop like Best Collision for a quality services guarantee. We are committed to your satisfaction and safety on the road. Contact us for all your auto body needs after an accident.
