Collision Repair

Collision Repair

Collision repair in today's world is becoming more & more reliant on the technology advancements and the collision repair technicians ability to restore a vehicle to pre-accident shape. With the loose guidelines in allowing any uneducated technician to repair your vehicle there is a greater need for customers to properly interview there choice of shop prior to allowing any repairs on your vehicle.

A properly trained collision repair professional should definitely have a technician holding a current collision repair license. Next, they should have technicians continually attending collision repair training. Courses by training centers through I-car are usually a reassuring thought.

A modern collision repair technician needs to be aware of the changes in technology of the years. Different safety systems, specific metal classes and precise specifications are among the things needed to return your vehicle to original. Some independent studies have shown that more then 75% of collision repair technicians do not know the difference in various metal classifications. Certain high strength steel parts should not be repair or should not be repaired with heat, this is a very common error in collision repair. When certain high strength metals are heated they loose a great portion of there structural strength, resulting in the inability to take another collision the way the manufacturer intended.

Structural errors are always the biggest concern in collision repair, but cosmetic problems can also lead to corrosion (rust) which can weaken structural parts also. A good painting and refinishing system needs to be in place to give a structurally sound vehicle the durability necessary to withstand the test of time.

Inquiring about a measurement system can also help you get a feel for a shop. If they say they don't have one or seem to know little about what you are asking, the odds are they don't bring your vehicle back to specifications. Certain metal parts once damaged should always be replaces such as doors if the intrusion bar (heavy bar in the middle of your door) has been contacted, the entire door should be replaced and not just skinned. Re-enforcement bars behind your bumper should be replaced and never repaired. Pretty well any structural metal part should always be replaced! The non-structural parts would basically just be the sheet metal that constructs your outer body, most other parts are structural.

The manufacturers provide repair procedures in the event of a collision, it is imperative that your repair shop follows the procedures 100%. Do not assume your vehicle is going to be repaired the way it should be, the business is money and many shops will do whats best for them. Do a bit of homework and make sure your using a trustworthy shop.

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