Typical Auto Repair Process

Did you ever wonder what happens between the time you get into an accident and when it is returned to you?

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Estimate- The car can be brought to an auto body repair shop or be done wherever the car is (usually just for insurance adjuster estimates). A visual assessment is done of the outer damage. If there is internal damage, that will be seen during the breakdown. The person writing the estimate will go through and write up any damage using a computerized system, to ensure it is done as quickly as possible.

The process is reviewed with the customer and given an estimated time to repair. If the car is not able to be driven, this might be a good time to get your rental car.


Insurance company reviews estimate- The insurance company's claims department will go through and review the estimate. Sometimes the estimate is changed or the car is totaled. When the insurance company okays the repair, the parts may be ordered and the repairs can start. Sometimes this does take a little longer than usual.

Breakdown

Breakdown and supplements- The car is then taken apart where the damage is to see if there is an underlying issue. If so, the auto repair shop will send in a supplement for repairs; which is basically an additional estimate for the same repair. The insurance company will then send out the adjuster to review it. Sometimes this may come later on through the repair process and can add time to the original estimate.




Parts ordered and checked for accuracy- The parts are ordered either through a manufacturer, an after market company or a salvage yard. You can check out the types of car parts here.
Depending on the car, parts are usually readily available and are delivered quickly. However, there are some cars that have parts are not easy to come by, so it may take longer to receive them. If the car was able to be driven, now is the time to bring your car in to start the repair process.

Frame machine

Structure repair (Frame machine)- The car's structure gets fixed back to factory standards. There is a precise measurement system to ensure quality and stability. Your car may be put onto a frame machine, which pulls the car back to the original shape. 

Body filler on truck

Body work-  The technician will replace parts, if needed, or repair the damaged area. Body filler is used to smooth out any small dents or scratches. A measurement system is used to make sure all the repaired or new parts match up and the gaps are correct. Welding may be involved in this step. 

 

Outside paint booth

Inside paint booth

Prime, paint and seal- The painter will prep the area for paint by wet sanding to ensure the new paint sticks and seals to the parts. The car is taped off, if the whole car is being painted, or the single part is brought into the booth. Everything gets primed, painted and sealed with a clear coat and sometimes a rust inhibitor. The car paint is cured in the booth so no foreign objects or debris mess up the paint.

Spraying a car

Paint tints

There are specific paint codes for each car, so they match, using a computerized mixing system. However, if the car has been through a lot of wear and tear or is older, the paint may look too new. That is why some parts close to the damaged area are blended to a smooth cohesive finish. Blending is a process where the adjacent car part is partially painted with the new paint so the eye cannot tell where the old paint ends and the new paint starts. 

Assembly/Detailing- The car is then put back together; all the small parts, details and moldings. The car is checked for all working parts and is sometimes test driven.

Then the car gets cleaned off, washed up and, if it was a long repair, the inside gets vacuumed and given a minor detail. This is done right before the customer picks up.



Return to customer- The technician will go through the repairs on the car with the customer and assure it is the way it was pre-accident. The customer will receive a copy of the final estimate, make payment and enjoy their newly repaired vehicle.

At Medford Auto Body we ensure all repairs for a lifetime guarantee.