You last saw your car as a twisted wreck being towed from the accident scene. It’s been weeks since the accident and now the car is in the parking lot of an auto body shop. You just have to write a check, and your car will be back in your possession. How can you be sure that the car has been repaired correctly under the surface?
The first step to repairing your car correctly is selecting a reputable shop. You should inspect the work done before driving away. Here are some tips and tricks from seasoned body shop professionals to help you better understand what you should be looking for.
Auto Body Shop Tips
It is important to have a clear understanding from the get-go.
When you drop off your car, the process begins. Clarify what the shop will fix and how they will repair it. All correspondence should be in writing. You can also ask about the warranty offered by the shop. Review the documentation to ensure that the repair was done correctly.
Reputable repair facilities will walk you through the entire process. The best shops will touch up any bolts that were scratched under the hood during the auto repair.
A Clean Car is a Must
Appearances are important. Your car should be clean and vacuumed when you pick it up. The car should be free of dirt and dust, with no old items in the trunk.
Returning a clean vehicle to a client can be difficult. Body shops are the filthiest on earth because of all the dust that comes from sanding.
Closer inspection
Look closely at the repaired area if the general appearance of the car is satisfactory. Start by looking for gaps between the body panels. The gaps should be uneven if they are, this is a sign that the panels have not been aligned properly. The owners should ensure that the doors are aligned properly and open and close correctly.
It can be hard for the body shop to fix a car that has extensive damage on the front end. You can spot a problem by examining the distance between the tire and the fender. It’s a sign that something was not fixed correctly if it is wider on one side than the other. Turn on the headlights and check that the beams of light are aligned.
The rack is used by the body shop to straighten the frame of a vehicle that has been hit on the front. It is used by the workers to straighten the frame rails. You can see the “butcher marks”, which are caused by poor repairs, under the car.
Visual auto inspections may be challenging for the average consumer. The owner should look at the printouts of the frame specifications. After the repairs, a good body shop should measure the area that was damaged and measure it again. After the repair, the frame specs should match what they were prior to the accident. A printout of the frame specs is a great reference to ensure that everything has been done correctly. You can ask for a second opinion if you’re concerned about a major repair not being done properly and you want to have someone else look at it.
Paint jobs: Consistency and matching colors
Paint matching is one of the hardest jobs to do in an auto body shop in Corryton, TN. You can match the color to 95 percent by simply entering the paint codes from the factory. The remaining 5 percent must be handled by auto professionals.
The majority of factory paint finishes have an orange peel texture, to a lesser or greater degree. It doesn’t matter if you like the effect, but most factory paints have it. Body shops can find it difficult to replicate.
You can arrange to pick up the car during the day. Look at the car under the sun to ensure that the paint color and finish match the original. If the shop has repainted multiple panels, you can also check the color consistency along the side. Finally, check the paint for any runs or imperfections like hairs or dirt specks.
Fixing it Right isn’t Always Possible
Sometimes, the problem may not appear until months after the car repair. Uneven wear on the front tires is a common problem. This could indicate that the suspension on the front has not been repaired or straightened correctly. Bring your receipt and paperwork to the shop, and show the manager how the tires are worn. The shop should be able to fix the problem as per the warranty.
Here are some frequently asked questions after an auto body repair:
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Will the repair work be as good as new? Auto body repair professionals are trained to restore your car to its pre-accident condition. They use modern equipment and techniques to repair the vehicle to the manufacturer’s specifications. However, keep in mind that there may be some slight imperfections in the finish, which is normal.
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How long will the repair take? The length of time it takes to repair a vehicle depends on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs can take a few days, while major repairs may take several weeks. Your auto body repair shop should give you an estimated time frame for completion.
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Can I wash my car after the repair? You should avoid washing your car for at least 24 hours after a repair. This allows the paint to dry and cure properly. After this time, you can wash your car as you normally would.
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Will my car be safe to drive after the repair? Auto body repair professionals take safety very seriously. Before returning your car to you, they will ensure that all repairs have been completed correctly, including any necessary alignment and calibration. If they find any safety issues, they will address them before returning your car to you.
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Will the repair affect my car’s value? A well-done repair should not affect your car’s value. However, if the repair is noticeable or poorly done, it could negatively affect the value. If you are concerned about this, make sure to choose a reputable auto body repair shop that guarantees their work.
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Will the repaired area match the rest of the car? Auto body repair professionals use computerized color-matching systems to ensure that the repaired area matches the rest of the car. However, the color may appear slightly different in certain lighting conditions or at different angles.
Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now if you’re looking for a reputable auto repair and body shop.
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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/
Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County
Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville
