Certified Collision Center

After your car is repaired by an autobody repair shop, the shop itself typically conducts an inspection. During this inspection, a mechanic looks over your vehicle and ensures everything that was marked as damaged when the car was brought in is properly repaired. Unfortunately, though, mistakes can occur, and you may get your car back to you with a flaw or imperfection. If this occurs, you will want to bring your vehicle back for a post-repair inspection and point out your concerns. Here is more information about what a post-repair inspection is and when you should ask for one. 

What is a Post-Repair Inspection? 

A post-repair inspection is an inspection that is done after autobody work has been completed. If a consumer sees or notices signs that work was not done correctly, they can request that the auto body shop complete a post-repair inspection. The consumer will point out their concerns to the auto body shop and the auto body shop will check their work. Typically, a post-repair inspection is completed by the shop that completed the work, but, in some cases, you may need a third-party assessment. If you suspect your car was not repaired correctly and the autobody shop you used for repairs disagrees, a third-party shop can complete an inspection. 

When Should You Ask For a Post-Repair Inspection? 

If you notice that the paint on your car doesn’t match, that the paint is starting to flake, that a ding or dent is still noticeable or that your car does not drive as it should after bringing your car in for auto body repairs, you may need to have a post-repair inspection completed. It is important to note that an autobody repair shop is tasked with getting your car back to pre-accident status. They do not have to make your car brand new, only in the same condition it was prior to an accident. If you feel your car is worse now than it was prior to an accident, you may benefit from a post-repair inspection. 

Will the Insurance Company Cover a Post-Repair Inspection? 

Unfortunately, your insurance company typically will not cover a post-repair inspection. However, most reputable autobody shops will offer a free post-repair inspection if you have concerns about the work you completed. Additionally, if you bring your car to a third-party repair shop, and they find problems that the original autobody repair shop missed, your insurance company may reimburse you for the cost of the post-repair inspection. 

If you have been involved in an automobile accident or need autobody repair, Certified Collision Center is here to help you. With locations in Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Oakdale, Modesto, South Sacramento, Lodi and Galt, we are sure to have a location that is convenient for you. We also warranty all of our work, so you can rest assured that the work will be completed correctly. Contact us to schedule an appointment to obtain an estimate for auto bodywork. 

When you take your vehicle to an autobody repair shop following an accident, you expect your vehicle to be repaired and for it to be in pre-accident condition. Unfortunately, things do not always go to plan, and not every autobody repair shop is the same. If you have found that your car is not up to your expectations after an accident, you may be wondering what to do. Here is some information that should help you if your car was not properly repaired after an accident. 

Signs Your Vehicle Was Not Properly Repaired

Prior to signing for your car at an autobody shop, walk around the exterior of your car and inspect it. If you notice that the paint color does not match, if you see any dings or dents, or if something simply does not look right, bring it to the staff’s attention immediately. Once you begin driving your car, you may notice other signs that the vehicle was not fixed properly, such as your car pulling to one side instead of driving straight, hearing grinding, squealing, or squeaking noises, or seeing fluid under the car in your driveway. 

Request a Post Repair Inspection

If you suspect your vehicle was not repaired correctly, you should request a post-repair inspection. You can have this done by the autobody repair shop who completed the work or another repair shop. A repair shop will take a look at the work that was done and tell you if the work was done correctly or not, and what work still needs to be done. Most people go back to the shop that originally did the work, but then go to a third-party shop if they want a second opinion. 

When You Can Take Your Car to Another Auto Repair Shop

If the work was not correctly completed on your car, you may be wondering when and if you can take it to another autobody repair shop for further repairs. Unfortunately, there is not a straightforward answer to this. In many cases, the insurance company will require you to try to work out the issues with the original body shop. However, if problems persist, you may be able to convince the insurance company to let you go elsewhere. If you hit a standstill, you can file a complaint with the Bureau of Auto Repair who can assist you with getting the repairs you need, either from the original body shop or a completely different one. 

If your car has been damaged in an automobile accident and you are in need of autobody repair, Certified Collision Center is here to help. We guarantee all of our work and we have high ratings from our customers. You can trust us to get the job done. We have eight convenient locations throughout the central valley, including Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Oakdale, Modesto, South Sacramento, Lodi, and Galt. We also work with your insurance company to authorize the repairs and get the work done quickly. Contact us and let us get your car back to pre-accident shape. 

It is a mistake to believe everything you hear about autobody repair unless the individual doing the talking is an experienced autobody repair specialist.  Though you might have heard something interesting about autobody repair in passing or overheard someone discussing autobody repair, there is no guarantee the information is actually accurate.  Below, we provide a quick look at some of the top auto repair myths.

DIY Auto Repairs are Just as Good as Mechanic Repairs

Even if you have performed auto repairs on your own, it is a mistake to assume you can repair every car component exactly right on the first try.  The sad truth is plenty of DIY auto repairs end up taking up much more time than anticipated and also prove that much more expensive.  Do the smart thing by taking your vehicle to an autobody repair shop so it can be repaired the right way.

If a Certain Part is Failing, You Will Know

If the part is bad, it is not an indication that it will set the fault code.  There are plenty of processes in place, meaning figuring out exactly what has gone wrong might not be easy.  It might appear that one part is at fault when a different part is actually the underlying issue.

Car Warranties are Voided When Relying on an Independent Mechanic

Your car’s warranty will remain fully valid even if you bring it to an independent mechanic for work.  There are laws on the books that legally protect car owners if they have their vehicle repaired at an independent mechanic.  So don’t worry about voiding your vehicle’s warranty for simply taking it to an independent auto repair specialist.

Reading the Check Engine Light Fault Code is all That is Necessary

Do not believe people who insist reading the check engine light fault code is all that is necessary.  Reading the check engine light code is only one piece of the puzzle.  The code states where the vehicle has failed yet it does not state why the failure occurred.  Replacing the part in question is insufficient.  You still need to determine why the light came on in the first place with a professional diagnostic.  Let the experts handle your check engine light and you will ultimately save that much more money and time.

Over-the-counter Parts are Perfectly Fine

Though some car parts available over the counter are helpful during emergencies, they also have the potential to damage the vehicle.  This is precisely why it is better to perform a lasting repair rather than merely use a temporary solution.  When in doubt, lean on our experienced auto repair specialists for guidance as to whether an over-the-counter part will suffice.

Contact Certified Collision Center Auto Body Today

Reach out to us today at (209) 836-4893 to schedule an appointment with Certified Collision Center Auto Body.  Our team is here to repair your vehicle and get you back on the road.  You can also reach us online through our convenient contact form.

Paintless dent repair, also referred to with the acronym of PDR, is changing the auto repair industry.  It is now possible to remove small dents from a vehicle body without paying for a paint job.  If you own a vehicle with dents that are a couple inches in diameter or smaller, your ride is a candidate for paintless dent repair.  Let’s take a closer look at what this repair approach is all about.

The Rise of PDR

PDR is best described as a restorative process that removes small dents from a vehicle’s body.  While conventional dent repair is helpful when an automobile has significant collision damage, paintless does not require the use of paint as the areas repaired are comparably small.  PDR involves the application of pressure to the dent’s exterior so it returns to its position prior to the damage.  This approach is easier and more affordable as there is no need to paint the vehicle.  As long as the dents are four inches in size or smaller or if the damage is more of a ding than a significant dent, PDR will prove effective.

The PDR Technique

If your vehicle’s dent is small and can be reached with ease, the technician will create pressure through a metal rod at the dent’s bottom so it can be moved back into place.  If the site is difficult to repair, such as an area along the roof, paintless dent repair tabs along with a specialized glue formula might be necessary.  The technician will add the material to pull up the dent from the body panel topside.  This approach proves effective at getting out the majority of the dent.  However, if there is any sign that there is still damage, the technician will ensure the area is properly tapped down and leveled out so it looks just right. 

The precise and careful tapping of the area makes it easier for diminutive spots to blend in with the body as though the dent is not even present.  However, only a professional auto repair technician should attempt this approach as an excess of pressure has the potential to cause elevated sections that compromise the clear coat as well as the vehicle’s paint, ultimately leading to chipping or cracking.  So don’t trust any old autobody repair shop for your autobody repair.  You need and deserve an automotive repair specialist who understands the subtleties of paintless dent repair.

Examples of When PDR is Ideal

A vehicle that has small dents or dings that look ugly or a vehicle with dents/dings that reduce its value are ideal candidates for PDR.  As an example, door dings, shopping cart damage, hail damage and 4” dents or smaller can all be repaired with PDR.  As long as the damage is not large in size, there is a good chance you can have PDR performed so you can bypass a potentially costly paint job.  Keep in mind, if your vehicle was repainted in the past, it is that much more likely to suffer paint cracking and chipping.

Resist the Temptation to Push out the Dent

We are often asked if a dent can simply be pushed out by the driver.  PDR is not DIY (do it yourself).  Rather, PDR is a professional strategy for small dent removal.  We know exactly how much pressure to apply so the dent does not worsen. Let us handle your paintless dent repair and you will be happy with the results.

After an auto accident, it is important to have your vehicle looked at by an autobody repair shop. One of the most common types of mistakes that people make is assuming that there is no damage because they do not see any, or assuming there is minimal damage because only a small dent is present. Read on to learn about the common types of hidden damage that may be present after an auto accident that you may not immediately see or notice. 

Frame Damage

The frame is the structural component that makes up the foundation of your automobile. Frame damage can occur after a car accident, including minor fender benders, but unfortunately, since your frame is hidden under panels, it can be hard to see that the frame is damaged. A bent or damaged frame can be costly to repair, but is necessary as it can lead to a lot of problems down the road. 

Damage to the Trunk

Another part of a car that may sustain hidden damage after an auto accident is the trunk area. Trunk damage is most common after a vehicle has been rear-ended, but can also occur with side-impact collisions. If there is hidden damage to the trunk, your trunk may not be properly aligned. This can make it harder, or impossible, to open and close the trunk, or lead to water damage through the trunk when it rains. 

Alignment Issues

Alignment issues can cause your car to pull to one side instead of driving in a straight line. This causes uneven wear to parts of the driving chassis and to tires. After an accident, it is common for alignment issues to be present, but unless you are a professional, you may not realize they are present until you experience uneven wear on your car. 

Electrical System Damage

The final common type of hidden damage that may be present after an auto accident is electrical system damage. Sudden jerking or bumps from an impact can loosen parts of your electrical system or impact wires and fuses. After an accident, it is not uncommon for there to be electrical system damage, especially to the electrical components in the area of the vehicle that was hit. While there are times you may immediately realize the electrical system is impacted, there are other times where it can take months for you to realize a component is not working properly. 

Having your car inspected by an autobody repair shop after an accident can help ensure there is no hidden damage. At Certified Collision Center, we can help with both inspections and repairs. We also have eight convenient locations throughout Northern California and the Central Valley. Contact one of our shops after an accident to schedule an appointment to have your vehicle inspected. 

If someone’s car runs right into the back of yours, you know you will need to take your vehicle to an autobody repair shop. One of the questions you may find yourself wondering is whether the bumper will be replaced or whether the dents in the bumper will simply be removed. There are a few different factors that an autobody shop will look at in regards to your bumper to determine if it should be repaired or replaced. Here are those factors. 

There Are Cracks in the Bumper

One of the signs that a bumper needs to be replaced, rather than simply needing to have dents removed, is cracks in the bumper. Car bumpers are typically made from plastic or fiberglass. Once either of those materials cracks, there is not a reliable way to repair them. The cracking can continue to spread as your car goes down bumpy roads and it can allow water to seep in through the crack, possibly leading to rust damage. Replacing the bumper is a must if there are cracks or holes present. 

The Hooks on the Bumper Are Broken or Damaged

Another sign that a bumper should be replaced rather than repaired is damage to the hooks that hold the bumper into place. Bumpers use a hook and latch system that helps to keep the bumper in place on your vehicle. The impact of a collision can bend, break or weaken those hooks. If those hooks are damaged, the bumper may not stay in place properly as it should, so replacing the bumper is the best option in that scenario. 

There Are Multiple Dents and/or Deep Scratches

The final sign that a bumper may need to be replaced rather than repaired is that there are multiple dents and/or deep scratches. Removing dents and scratches from a bumper takes time. Dents may need to be pulled out or they may need to be filled in. Deep scratches need to be filled in and then sanded down. The areas affected then need touch-up paint to ensure they match the rest of the bumper. All of this takes time and labor. In many cases, if there are multiple dents or deep scratches, it makes sense from a financial point of view to replace the bumper, rather than spend the money on labor and materials to fix the damage. 

Here at Certified Collision Center, we can help you with everything from minor scratch and dent removal to major autobody repairs, including bumper replacement. If your vehicle has been in an accident, we would love to help. We have eight locations throughout the Central Valley and Northern California regions. Reach out to the location nearest you to begin the process of getting your car back to its pre-accident state.