After a Collision, Can Your Car Truly Be Restored?

After experiencing a collision—especially a severe one—it's natural to wonder whether your vehicle will ever be the same. Just like any business, the quality of collision repair services varies widely. To ensure your car returns to its pre-accident condition, it's essential to work with a reputable auto body repair shop staffed by experienced professionals who prioritize quality.

 

Finding the Right Collision Repair Shop

• Conduct thorough research by checking reviews across multiple platforms such as Google, Yelp, Car Wise, and even third-party surveys. These platforms provide valuable insights into past customer experiences.
• Look for certifications, particularly I-Car Gold Class certification. This is considered the highest standard in collision repair and indicates that technicians stay updated on modern repair techniques through ongoing education.
• Seek out shops that offer warranties. A reliable collision repair facility will typically provide a limited lifetime warranty on workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle. However, parts and refinish products are subject to the original manufacturer’s warranty.
• Consider the shop’s history. How long has the facility been operating, and do they maintain a strong track record? Modern vehicles require advanced technology and equipment; ensure the shop is equipped to handle recent models effectively.
• Assess the shop’s reputation—are they known for quality or speed? Think of it as comparing a fast-food chain to a gourmet restaurant—both serve food, but the experience is entirely different.

Will Your Car Be the Same Again?

• A quality auto body shop will perform a comprehensive repair that addresses every aspect of collision damage—not just the bodywork, but also the mechanical and electrical systems. Today’s vehicles are far more complex than those from 15 years ago, with numerous onboard computers, sensors, and intricate wiring systems. Repairing these components requires specialized knowledge and precision.

 

Key Steps in Collision Repair

• Pre-diagnostic Scanning: This step allows technicians and estimators to understand the full scope of non-functional systems, including onboard computers, sensors, wiring, and safety features.
• Full Disassembly of Impacted Areas: Exterior panels are removed so that hidden damage beneath can be thoroughly inspected.
• Writing a Detailed Repair Plan: Unlike a basic estimate, this plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for the repair process.
• Researching Manufacturer Procedures: A repair planner uses industry guidelines or manufacturer-specific instructions tailored to the vehicle’s make, model, and year.
• Post-Diagnostic Scanning: After repairs are completed, this ensures all systems are functioning correctly.
• Calibration: Depending on the extent of the damage, recalibrating certain systems may be necessary.
• Quality Control Checks and Test Drives: Final inspections and road tests ensure everything is working optimally before the vehicle is returned to the owner.

 

A reputable collision repair shop focuses on the entire restoration process, from aesthetics to functionality, including the vehicle’s mechanical and electronic systems. While this approach may take longer and involve higher costs, it ultimately delivers superior results. In contrast, fast and inexpensive repair options often lead to subpar outcomes and may create more stress for the vehicle owner down the line.

 

Parts Used in Repairs

Airpark Collision Center prioritizes Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, which are identical to those installed on your vehicle when it was new. However, insurance companies often push for aftermarket or salvaged parts instead, which can significantly impact the quality of repairs. For more information on this topic, click here.

Even if the insurance company insists on non-OEM parts, choosing a high-quality collision repair shop still makes a difference. Although we cannot compel insurers to cover OEM parts, we can advocate for the best possible outcome by inspecting salvaged or aftermarket parts carefully and presenting evidence when necessary.

• Salvaged parts are OEM but previously used; they can be excellent if the shop verifies their quality. If a part doesn’t meet standards, a responsible collision repair facility will reject it.
• Aftermarket parts are manufactured by third parties rather than the original manufacturer. While not inherently bad, careful inspection is critical. If a part doesn’t fit properly, we can return to the insurer with photographic evidence to argue for an OEM replacement. This process can be time-consuming, but it’s essential because policy language often determines which parts are covered.

 

Buying a Vehicle That Was Previously in an Accident

When considering purchasing a previously damaged vehicle, consider the following:

• What is the extent of the damage?
• Does the vehicle have a salvage title? These can be difficult to insure.
• Who performed the repairs, and were they done correctly?
• Can you arrange for a professional collision damage inspection?

 

Can a Total Loss Be Repaired?

A total loss designation doesn’t necessarily mean a vehicle is irreparable. Several factors could lead to such a determination:

• The cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle’s value.
• Replacement parts are unavailable or backordered indefinitely.
• The damage is too extensive for practical repair.

 

Diminished Value

Even after high-quality collision repairs, your vehicle may appear and function perfectly, but concerns about diminished value could arise due to a Carfax report. While Airpark Collision Center does not report to Carfax, other entities such as the police, city authorities, or towing companies might. Questions about diminished value should be addressed with legal counsel or your insurance provider. Beyond providing a detailed repair invoice, the collision repair shop generally has no direct involvement in diminished value issues.

Airpark Collision Center opened in 2006 with a commitment to quality auto body repairs and honest, friendly service. Over the years, we’ve witnessed significant advancements in vehicle design and collision repair technology. Each year, we invest in training and acquire the latest tools and equipment to ensure our north Scottsdale location remains at the forefront of the industry. Stop by anytime, or click here for a free estimate.