Getting a car fixed after a collision is crucial to ensure that it can be restored to its pre-accident condition. But what if the repairs done on a vehicle are erroneous?
When a collision repair is not done correctly, it can lead to a plethora of different problems. The car can be unsafe to drive and at an increased risk of being susceptible to further damage.
Unfortunately, it’s common for collision repair shops to cut corners and leave out necessary repair steps when repairing a car.
Just to save a few bucks, some car body shops perform sub-par services. For instance, the shop might not replace all of the damaged parts in the collision. Or worse, they might replace a high-quality component with a cheaper one that is of lower quality.
Things You Should Do
Do you think that your car has been poorly repaired? Do you suspect that something has not been done right during the collision repair? Fortunately, there are steps you can do to make sure that your car is genuinely fixed and restored back to its pre-collision form.
Perform a Full Inspection of Your Car After the Repair
Before you pick up your car from the auto body shop and drive the vehicle, make sure to conduct a thorough, personal inspection of the vehicle. This will allow you to spot any signs of sub-par quality work.
First, check the car’s exterior. Make sure all the parts are there, intact, and in the right places. Also, examine it for any gaps between the body and the frame, and make sure the replaced parts are high-quality.
Next, take a look at the paint job. Make sure the paint is even, not chipped, there are no drips or runs, and that the color is consistent across all panels. You should also look for any telltale signs of overspray on the windshield, side mirrors, or rear window.
Then, examine the vehicle’s body parts to ensure that all the damaged elements in the car accident have been adequately replaced. Check the lubrication of the door hinges, hood, and trunk.
For the car’s interior, make sure the driver and passenger seats are intact. The upholstery should not have new holes, rips, or tears. Also, check for any loose or missing parts, interior panels, and ensure that the dashboard is in its proper working condition.
Finally, check for any red flags like the presence of sand, dirt, or other debris in the interior – even if it’s just mere stains on the seats – or loose and clanking parts.
Signs of these things on your car may indicate that the repair shop didn’t do a proper job on it. You should request for a manager to come out for a look and discuss the situation – in some cases, you can request a refund or be reimbursed for the repair cost.
Request for a Professional Post-Repair Inspection
If you are not satisfied and the shop refuses to offer a refund or reimbursement, you can have a professional post-repair inspection done on your car.
The shop may offer to perform the post-repair inspection of your car themselves, but you shouldn’t trust them to do so — even if they say that it’s going to be free of charge. Instead, bring the car to an impartial, third-party vehicle inspection center or professional mechanic for a comprehensive check. This will allow you to get a professional opinion of the repairs.
If you notice any discrepancies during your own inspection, you should definitely take your car to a trusted mechanic or shop for a second opinion. If the mechanic also discovers any signs of sub-par workmanship in their findings, you can then bring the car back to the repair shop and ask for a refund, as well as have the shop pay for the inspection costs.
Trust Your Collision Repair With a Reputable Shop
Don’t let any repair problems such as a misaligned wheel put a risk on your car and your life. Make sure to go to a reputable auto body shop Chicago and other states have so you won’t have to deal with any post-repair issues. Still, if you notice anything amiss with your car, follow the steps above to ensure a safe ride.