How to Ensure Your Collision Repair Was Done Properly

The aftermath of a collision can be stressful, but ensuring your vehicle receives the proper repair afterwards is crucial for safety and peace of mind. Unfortunately, not all collision repairs are created equal.

From shoddy workmanship to shortcuts, signs of a bad repair can linger long after the incident. Here, we’ll dive into some key indicators to watch for and provide tips to know if your collision repair was done correctly.

Signs of a Bad Repair

When your vehicle undergoes repairs after a collision, it’s essential to scrutinise the work for signs of quality. These indicators are crucial in identifying potential issues that might have been overlooked or not properly addressed during the repair process. Subpar repairs can leave telltale clues that something isn’t quite right.

Mismatched Paint or Finish

A mismatched paint job is one of the most apparent signs of a subpar repair. When inspecting your vehicle, look for colour, texture, or glossiness variations between panels. A professional repair should seamlessly blend the new paint with the original, leaving no visible differences.

Poor Panel Alignment

When parts like doors, hoods, or bumpers don’t align correctly after a repair, it’s a sign that something might not have been fixed properly. Look for gaps between these parts – they should be even and consistent. If you notice differences or things aren’t lining up smoothly, it could mean the repair wasn’t done with the careful attention it needed.

Unusual Noises or Vibrations

After a collision repair, be aware of unusual sounds or vibrations while driving. These signals might point towards underlying issues that weren’t properly fixed, like components that aren’t aligned correctly or parts that might be loose due to incomplete repairs. Being mindful of these signs helps ensure your vehicle functions as it should post-repair.

Structural Integrity Compromises

Take a moment to check the essential parts that form the structure of your vehicle. Look for any signs like welding marks, creases, or crumpling.

These signs might signal that the repair work wasn’t done correctly or that crucial parts of your car’s structure were overlooked. This could affect how safe your vehicle is to drive.

Error Codes or Malfunctions

Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced diagnostic systems. If your vehicle displays error codes, warning lights, or malfunctions after a repair, it could indicate an incomplete repair or overlooked issues during the repair process.

Tips to Ensure Proper Collision Repair

Making sure the work done on your vehicle is completed properly is essential for your vehicle’s safety and longevity. Here are some vital tips to guarantee that your repair job meets the highest standards and safeguards the integrity of your vehicle.

• Choose a Reputable Repair Shop — Select a repair shop with a solid reputation for quality workmanship. Look for certifications and seek recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews.
• Thoroughly Inspect the Repairs — After your vehicle is repaired, thoroughly inspect it. Take time to examine the repaired areas thoroughly, ensuring they meet the manufacturer’s specifications and match the vehicle’s original condition.
• Request Documentation — Ask for detailed documentation of the completed repair work. A reputable repair shop should provide a comprehensive breakdown of the repairs, including the parts replaced, the paint used, and the procedures followed.
• Test Drive and Monitor Performance — Take your vehicle for a test drive post-repair. Pay attention to any unusual sounds, vibrations, or handling issues. Monitor the vehicle’s performance for a few days to ensure everything functions correctly.
• Understand Warranty and Guarantees — Familiarise yourself with the warranties or guarantees provided by the repair shop. A reputable shop will stand behind their work and offer assurance for the quality of their repairs.
• Follow Up for Recalls and Additional Checks — Stay informed about any recalls or additional checks related to your vehicle model. Sometimes, certain repairs might trigger recalls, and addressing these promptly is essential for your safety.

Get Auto Body Repair You Can Count on With Caversham Coachworks

Ensuring your collision repair was done properly requires diligence and attention to detail. By being aware of signs indicating a bad repair and following essential tips to assess the quality of the repair work, you can safeguard your vehicle’s safety and preserve its value.

At Caversham Coachworks, we take pride in providing a wide range of services and repairs to meet your needs. We offer services like alloy wheel refurbishment, cooling systems and air-conditioning maintenance, paintless dent removal, swift same-day repairs, steering component repairs, the use of genuine parts, and electrical system maintenance and refurbishment.

At our convenient locations in Caversham and Abingdon, we are here to help with traditional, modern, hybrid, and EV vehicles with our state-of-the-art equipment. Contact us today or use our free and easy estimator tool.