What Should You Look for After Collision Repair?
After your vehicle has undergone collision repair, it’s essential to ensure the work was done correctly to maintain your car’s safety, performance, and value. While a reputable auto repair shop should handle all necessary repairs thoroughly, you can still perform your inspection to verify the quality of the work. Several areas deserve close attention, from body alignment to paint matching, before driving your vehicle again. In this article, we’ll discuss what to look for after collision repair to ensure everything is in order.
Exterior Inspection: Body Panels and Paint
One of the first things to check after a collision repair is the exterior of your vehicle. Inspect the body panels for proper alignment. The gaps between panels, such as those between the doors, hood, and trunk, should be even and consistent. Misaligned panels may indicate improper installation or hidden structural damage that hasn’t been adequately addressed.
Next, inspect the paintwork. The new paint should match the original color perfectly and have a smooth, even finish. Any color or texture mismatch can reduce your car’s aesthetic appeal and affect its resale value. Make sure there are no signs of overspray (paint where it shouldn’t be) on other areas of the vehicle, such as the windows, trim, or headlights. A quality paint job should blend seamlessly with the rest of the car, with no rough patches or peeling visible.
Test for Functionality of Lights and Electronics
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronics; a collision can impact electrical components like lights, sensors, and cameras. After a repair, check that all the lights are functioning correctly, including the headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. If your vehicle is equipped with parking sensors, backup cameras, or lane-keeping assist, ensure these systems work as they should.
Electrical issues might not be immediately visible, so take some time to test these features thoroughly. Malfunctioning electronics can pose a safety risk and lead to costly repairs later. If you notice any problems with lights, cameras, or sensors, return to the repair shop to have them addressed immediately.
Examine the Alignment and Suspension
Even if the exterior looks perfect, there may still be underlying issues with your vehicle’s alignment and suspension. A misaligned vehicle can cause uneven tire wear, steering issues, and a generally uncomfortable driving experience. After the repair, take your car for a test drive to check the alignment. The vehicle should drive straight when you let go of the steering wheel, and you should not feel any unusual vibrations or pulling to one side.
The suspension system should also be inspected after a collision. If you notice that your car feels bumpy or unsteady, or if you hear clunking noises when going over bumps, there could be damage to the suspension that wasn’t adequately addressed. A smooth, stable ride indicates that the repair has been done correctly.
Check for Mechanical Repairs and Fluids
If your vehicle sustained damage to any mechanical components during the collision, check that these systems have been restored to full functionality. This could include the engine, transmission, or cooling system. Listen for any unusual noises from the engine or transmission, and ensure that shifting gears are smooth and responsive.
Additionally, check the fluids in your vehicle, such as engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. If these were drained or replaced during the repair process, ensure they are at the correct levels. Low fluid levels or leaks can indicate an incomplete repair, which could lead to more severe mechanical issues down the road.
Look for Signs of Hidden Damage
Not all damage is immediately visible, especially after a collision. Even if the exterior looks perfect, hidden damage could still exist within the vehicle’s structure or components. One common issue after a repair is improperly aligned frames. If the frame isn’t perfectly straightened, it can compromise the vehicle’s safety in the event of another accident. A professional mechanic should provide documentation showing that the frame was inspected and repaired if necessary.
In addition, pay attention to unusual sounds, smells, or performance issues. If you notice rattling, clunking, or squeaking noises, these could be signs of incomplete or faulty repairs. Unusual odors, especially burning smells, may indicate fluid leaks or overheating parts. These issues should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage or safety hazards.
Ensure Your Vehicle’s Safety Systems Are Working
Many modern vehicles have advanced safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control systems. After a collision, ensuring these systems are functioning as intended is crucial. If airbags are deployed during the crash, ensure they’ve been replaced correctly. Your vehicle’s diagnostic system should also show that all safety features are working correctly, and there should be no warning lights on the dashboard.
Test any driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, or forward-collision alerts. These systems rely on cameras, sensors, and radar that could have been damaged in the accident. Ensuring these features are functioning is critical to maintaining the vehicle’s safety and performance.
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