Getting involved in a vehicle accident is often terrifying and confusing. Once you’ve received medical treatment and made a full recovery, you’ll have to get your car repaired. Though most vehicle owners are concerned about the final result and aren’t interested in the details involved, everyone must understand what goes into the collision repair process.
However, knowing what happens when you have your car repaired will help you understand the costs, time, and labor involved in restoring a damaged car. Here are the steps mechanics take to repair your vehicle after a collision:
1. Estimating the Damage and Costs
The first step in the collision repair process is inspecting your vehicle to estimate the damage incurred and the costs to repair it. Once the inspection results are available, and the paperwork has been finalized, the estimator will photograph your car. They will communicate all critical information to you and your insurance company before proceeding.
2. Disassembling the Vehicle
Your insurance provider can request a vehicle teardown to document each instance of damage and determine if your vehicle requires a repair. Once you and your insurance company have signed off on a repair, the body shop you choose will start ordering the vehicle parts necessary.
3. Repairing the Damage
Once repairs are underway, the body shop will use a measuring system to assess the car and certify that it has been restored to its original condition before the accident. This step is essential since it will ensure that your vehicle’s frame is free from structural issues. If necessary, they’ll conduct suspension repairs, including wheel alignment.
4. Preparing the Paint
Part of the vehicle refinishing process is paint preparation. The auto repair shop will oversee preparing the painting panels before priming and sealing them. This process will vastly improve adhesion when applying top colors and supplementary clear coating.
5. Reassembling
In this step, the mechanic will restore each detailed piece and final molding to your vehicle. They will also review the different systems in your car when reassembling to ensure that everything is in its proper place. Once in this stage, your vehicle is fully repaired and will soon be ready for pick-up or delivery.
6. Inspecting for Quality Control
After all the parts have been securely reinstalled, the repair shop will thoroughly wash your vehicle. It will also clean the interior and the car’s surface to help it look brand new. The shop will also polish the body paint to restore your car to perfection.
The body shop personnel will then physically inspect the vehicle to ensure that nothing is amiss. Once everything is up to their standards, they’ll test drive the car to check for any driving problems that may arise from the newly repaired components, allowing them to address any issues that come up before handing your keys back to you.
7. Delivery
Once the shop has completed its quality control assessment, the collision repair process has finished. You’ll then be asked to visit the body shop and pick up your newly repaired vehicle. You will also receive all the essential paperwork along with the bill.
Conclusion
Losing your car in a vehicle accident can be painful and expensive. Fortunately, it is possible to repair your vehicle, depending on the extent of the damage. When you take your car in for repairs, it will undergo these steps, all of which are geared towards restoring your car to its original condition.
Hoover Automotive is an auto repair shop in Hoover, AL, specializing in car service and repair. Our services include engine repair, fleet vehicles, oil change, new tires, brake service, off-road vehicle repairs, and many more. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for your vehicle!