With autobody repairs, it’s a little different. By knowing exactly what to look for, you can capably assess the quality of the work that’s been done. You can sign off on the work with peace of mind that you’ve received good value for your money and that the repairs will stand the test of time.
Some collision repairs are not visible, but you can rely on your own two eyes to assess what can be seen on the surface. In this blog, we’re going to take you through a post-collision repair inspection checklist that will help you assess the quality of work done by your autobody shop of choice.
Cleanliness
First up, your car should be in a noticeably clean and orderly condition. Shine a flashlight into the gaps and crevices, and carefully feel around. There should be no evidence of the collision, i.e. broken glass, fiberglass, or airbag dust. Nor should there be any sign of the repair work that’s been done – no tools or parts, no grease spots, no welding spatter or glue or tape left hanging around.
Ideally, your car has also been washed and freshened up. A reliable collision repair shop should go the extra mile to show that they value your business, your vehicle, and your safety, and returning your car in pristine shape is one of the most effective ways for them to do so.
Testing, Testing 1…2…3
Quality repairs cost money, and you deserve to be 100% satisfied with the results, so take your time with this next phase of your repair inspection. Start with the areas of the car that you know have been worked on (your shop’s estimate should have itemized this in detail).
Inspect the body panel seams to make sure there are no uneven gaps. Open and close the hood, trunk, all the windows and doors, and the fuel cap and door to ensure everything operates smoothly, latches securely, and doesn’t make any unexpected noise. Turn on your headlights and brights, verify that the beams are aligned, and test the brake and signal lights as well.
Is Everything “Good in the Hood”?
Don’t limit your post-repair inspection to the surface. Your hood may look pristine from the outside, but there can still be issues lurking beneath. Hoses and connectors may have been unhooked to fix body damage, so check to see if everything appears to be properly reconnected again. This step doesn’t require specialized knowledge—just your patience and powers of observation!
Be Particular About Paint
It’s vital to ensure that any new paint that’s been applied matches your vehicle’s original paint—not just in terms of colour, but also sheen and texture. To do this properly, it’s best to pick your car up and inspect it in the daylight. Examine the repainted areas both up close and from a distance.
Look for variations in colour and texture, and for any panels or areas that don’t appear to match. The sun may also reveal small scratches, dents, or other tiny flaws that were not properly buffed, and that would have been impossible to notice inside or at night.
Road Test!
So far so good? Terrific. But your inspection isn’t over until you’ve had the chance to assess your car’s performance back on the road. If you notice that your steering wheel is harder or easier to turn, or that your car is pulling to the left or right, you’ll need to take it back for another look. Repairs made to the frame or other components can easily throw steering and alignment out of whack, so make a careful note of any issues to help your technician identify whatever’s going on.
Satisfaction Guaranteed!
So, when you get that call to say your car is ready to pick up, we hope this repair inspection checklist will help you to know what to look for and when to speak up. You know your car best, and we value your feedback so we can be sure we’ve done a great job.
Any shop that is worthy of your trust will take pride in their results and stand behind their work. Collision repairs performed by Mitek are guaranteed for as long as you own your car, and that’s the way it should be. Even if you’ve had repairs done elsewhere, Mitek can do a quick, complimentary evaluation to make sure they’ve been done right.
After a collision, you deserve to have total peace of mind that you’ve received quality repairs and good value for your money, and that’s what we are here to provide.