The crash was over in moments, but the repair has taken weeks. You finally get the call from the shop and head over to pick it up.
You’re a little anxious, though. Did they repair it right? How will you know for sure?
We’re a Gold Class shop, which means we go above and beyond to repair your car the right way. That’s why we encourage you to take a very careful look at your vehicle when you pick it up. We’re proud of the work we do and excited to show it off.
We’re also not afraid to tell you how to give your vehicle a long, hard look after collision repair.
A technician or advisor will likely walk you around the car, showing you the repairs. Hopefully, you took it to a Gold Class facility that guarantees their work for at least 12 months. That’s a start anyway.
It’s All About the Details
The first thing to note is if the car is spotlessly clean, inside and out. Reputable shops thoroughly wash the outside and clean the outside—even your floormats and engine should be clean. Dirt hides imperfections and you want to be able to see every surface clearly.
Next, examine the repairs. Check body panel seams for uneven gaps. Open and close doors, hood, and trunk to see if they are closing perfectly. If an airbag was deployed, make sure it has been replaced. Look at the gap between tires and fenders—is it the same distance at every wheel? Ensure that all hoses and wires in the engine are connected. Turn on your headlights to check for beam alignment. Request the frame spec printout if the frame was straightened and have them explain the numbers to you.
Don’t Get Painted into a Corner
Now for the paint. Matching paint is one of the most difficult parts of collision repair. When paint fades, technicians have to add a little tint to get it just right. If possible, pick up your car during the day and use bright sunlight to help you see hair, grime, or overspray. Look at it from up close and then take a few steps back.
Go ahead and take it for a spin before signing off. Are there any odd sounds? Does it drive and steer okay?
If any red flags come up, be sure to speak to the owner for an explanation. Some problems won’t show up until later, such as uneven tire wear from a poorly straightened vehicle or hidden suspension damage. That’s why you went to a shop with at least a 12,000-mile guarantee, right?
A good inspection goes a long way toward guaranteeing your collision repair job is done right. An even better way is to go to a shop known for helping you navigate insurance and performing top-quality work. Check out the long list of Cline Collision Center 5-star reviews on Yelp and Google. Then contact us online or call us at 707-591-9909 today!