Collision Repair Shop & Auto Care FAQ’s

Do you autobody shops clean your car?
Usually, after the repair is done, detail is part of it. Most collision repair jobs are completed with detailed service. If the job is very small such as popping out a dent, then a detail might not be included. For accidents where the car is held, then detail is usually.
What does an auto body shop do?
An auto body shop repairs anything deer hits, dent repair, paint scratches, accident collisions, and anything related to the exterior body of the vehicle.
What happens if the autobody shop does a bad job?
Reputable body shops will have a warranty on their work or fix it if you are not happy. As long as they are not misleading. You can also look for the gold class car certification.
Do you tip an auto body shop?
Tips are not customary or expected although it’s completely up to you whether you want to tip.
Why is auto body work so expensive?
Over the year the cost of materials has gone up with all the new vehicle technology auto body shops have to invest in high dollar equipment and facilities that cost money to run them. There is the cost of labor and air compressors, paint booths, and general human labor costs.
What looks like a dent could be much more once panels are taken off.
How long does auto bodywork usually take?
Most small to medium size jobs are done within 3-10 business days while some bigger jobs may take a month. The availability of parts can play a factor. As well as the insurance approval process.
What should I look for when picking up my car from an auto body shop?
Make sure body lines are straight, door gaps are straight, no door gaps, and check the paint for runs or debris that fell on the paint while it was curing. Look over the invoice and if you have questions don’t be afraid to ask what each item is.
What is considered major damage to a car?
Anything dealing with the frame or structural unibody of the vehicle. The structural damage is considered major damage.
Are drive-thru car washes bad for your car?
Are drive-thru car washes bad for your car?
Yes, 100%. It’s much better to have your car hand washed. The car washes with brushes can scratch your paint and even chip your paint.
Black shows a lot of imperfections, darker cars should avoid the car wash.
When should you not wash your car?
If you are washing a heavily soiled vehicle make sure to get as much off with running water first so debris is not tossed around and back at your car during a cleaning or automatic car wash.
Don’t wash it for at least 72 hours after a windshield repair or replacement.
Should I wipe my car after it rains?
To avoid water spots and any containment’s that the water might have that could affect the integrity of your clear coat.
4 Comments
I agree when you said that reputable body shops will offer a guarantee or repair if you are unhappy. I recently got into an accident last night and want to take my car for repair by this week. I would need to speak to a professional to help me find the right service for my car. Thanks for the article!
I got into a car accident the other day and that is why I’m currently looking for a car repair service that may fix its cracks. Thank you for sharing here that it will be smarter to opt for an experienced auto shop. I also agree with you that the car must not be washed for 72 hours after the collision.
It’s great that you mention that large collision repair projects can take up to a month. My cousin got into a really bad accident yesterday. I’ll help her find a collision repair shop and talk to them about how long it will take for the amount of damage her SUV has.
Thanks for the info about collision repair. My car was damaged yesterday. I’ll look for a collision repair service in my area.