Whether you were recently in a collision or you’re simply needing car repair, we know this can be an extremely confusing time for you. With how advanced cars have gotten over the years, you cringe just thinking about how much the repair bill might be. It’s only normal that you have tons of questions about the process. In fact, these are probably some of the exact ones running through your head:
“How much will the repair cost?”
“Is my car totaled?”
“When can I get my car back?”
“Is that service necessary?”
No matter what your question might be, there’s no such thing as a “silly” question. The best body shops are capable of answering all your questions and easing any anxiety you may have during the repair process. With the advancements of car safety technologies (such as ADAS), you’d think that all body shops would be capable of performing top-notch repairs, right?
Unfortunately, people are victims of bad collision repair every day. It’s typically not until you’ve left the repair shop where you notice that your car isn’t running the way it should after getting repaired. It may not even be something you can see, but rather an internal problem that came as a result of this poor service.
Perhaps you haven’t had your car fixed and are simply wanting to know what to look for during the repair process.
Although states do not require technicians to be licensed to repair a car, it is the shop’s responsibility to pay for the technician’s training in collision repair. Reassuring answers mean nothing if you pick up your car and notice it’s not the same. A good repair will have your car looking, feeling, and driving as if it was brand new.
What Are The Signs?
With that said, what are the signs of bad collision repair? We compiled a list of things you need to listen for, look for, and test once you get your car back. Check them out below:
Test to make sure:
- The steering feels normal (not “gravelly” or “choppy” when you turn the wheel).
- The car drives straight even when you take your hands off the wheel momentarily
- The brakes work properly and stop in a straight line (no pulling to one side or another).
- There’s no delay in the handling through turns, and it’s responding normally
- Electronic accessories work
Listen for:
- Unusual noises such as whistling or roaring from the wind, whining, or grating
Look:
- The paint looks different than other parts on the car and in different lighting settings
- Water leaks (which can lead to corrosion to the body structure and interior damage)
- Gaps between body panels
- Bumper is misaligned
- The doors, hood, and lift gate open and close smoothly
- No warning lights illuminated on the dashboard
- Headlights, brake lights, and blinkers work properly
- Uneven gaps between body panels
- Distance between tire and fender is the same on both sides of the car
On top of all that, you need to make sure you get your car back cleaned. Cars are bound to get dirty once they are in the service bay. A quality body shop will not only repair your vehicle properly but will also return it to you looking brand new.
What to do if you suspect that you have received improper collision repair?
If you believe you may have received improper collision repair, you can request a post-repair inspection (PRI). You may have to pay out of pocket at first, which is typically only a couple hundred bucks. However, your insurance company will get involved if you’re able to prove you’ve been a victim of bad collision repair with documentation from a qualified body shop or appraiser.
This is actually becoming a trend in collision repair, which is why more qualified body shops are offering this as a service. Just know that it may time some time for you to receive a resolution. But your safety and your investment in your vehicle are at stake with a bad collision repair.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you in any of your auto repair needs!
