3 Details You Should Know To Have A Better Collision Repair Experience
More than 6 million vehicle accidents happen in the US each year. When you have a vehicle collision and deal with the repairs, insurance, and any personal injuries, it can be a stressful event. It is important to make sure your vehicle gets the repairs it needs, but you should also be alert to any problems that might arise during the process. Here are three details you need to be aware of before, during, and after your vehicle goes in for a collision repair.
Prepare Your Vehicle
You may not have a lot of time to prepare for sending your vehicle to the collision repair shop, because you will be dealing with the aftermath of a car crash. But, you should do what you can to remove any valuables from your vehicle and any other items you will need during the time your vehicle is in the repair shop.
With a cell phone camera, take pictures of your vehicle inside and out as much as possible to record the condition of your vehicle. You will need a record of your vehicle's condition in case any extra damage happens while it is being repaired. And, you should record the vehicle damage in the event of a lawsuit or any insurance claim issues.
Check Your Vehicle's New Paint Job
After the body work has been done to your vehicle, the collision shop will prepare your vehicle to be painted. Most crashes only damage one section of your vehicle and only the repaired section will get new paint. For this reason, it is important that the body shop matches your vehicle's paint color to the rest of the exterior. They should also mask off around all edges surrounding the area they will paint, otherwise you will find paint specks on trim, window glass, and upholstery.
When you pick up your vehicle, make sure it is during daylight hours so you can inspect your vehicle's new paint before you take it home. This gives you a chance to make sure the new paint matches the existing paint and if it looks as though the shop masked before they painted your vehicle. Also, look for any drips, uneven application, rough sections, and dull patches. The new paint should be smooth and shiny.
Look at your vehicle's windows for any grind marks from when the old paint was sanded off your vehicle's exterior. Check the condition of any new interior paint inside the vehicle's door frame to make sure the collision shop did a good job on these hard-to-see areas.
Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Clean and In Working Order
While your vehicle is at a collision shop, it can collect dirt and grime from being in an environment with a lot of sanding and body work going on around it. Several mechanics and paint professionals will be in and out of your vehicle during its repairs, so it is important to check your vehicle for cleanliness when you pick it up. You should not need to take your vehicle home dirty after it has been repaired and painted.
The inside of your vehicle should be wiped down and vacuumed out. The windows should be streak-free, and the components under the hood should be clean. If you did not have paint work done, your vehicle's exterior should be washed and dried.
Make sure to check your vehicle's electrical components before you leave because you need to know if a wire was accidentally cut during the collision body work. Turn on the air conditioner, heater, radio, and any motorized seats on your vehicle to make sure they still work.
Use these three tips to help you successfully handle the collision repair process on your vehicle. For more information, contact a local collision repair shop.
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