Fixing a damaged vehicle can often be a long and costly process, no matter what make or model your automobile is, what year it is from, which part was the most affected, or how it was damaged. Assessing the damage and coordinating costs with an insurance company is just part of the solution. According to the Auto Care Association’s 2018 Collision Repair Trends Report, American drivers spent a combined $45.8 billion in collision-related repair services after traveling 3.2 trillion miles over the previous year. This means roughly 16.5% of all money spent in the car aftermarket was devoted to collision repairs.
SaferAmerica, a consumer safety news organization, also recently reported that 95% of all vehicles involved in fatal car collisions in 2016 were passenger cars or light trucks (this includes SUVs and vans).
Here are some things to know regarding collision repair, whether you are seeking personal or professional help with this process:
Analyzing the Damage
The first order of business before anything else after an automobile accident — whether it was a two-car collision, a head-on collision, or a crash against a tree or a roadside object — is to review and analyze the total damage to your vehicle. This includes taking photos of whatever part of the car was affected (bumper or fender, headlights, tires, side mirrors, etc.) from as many different angles as possible. Several states will require you to notify local law enforcement immediately after the accident.
Determining the Order of Repairs
Once you’ve analyzed the amount of damage to your vehicle, make a list to prioritize which parts should be repaired first. The tires and engine are always the most important parts of a car that should be functioning properly. The mirrors should also be fixed if they were damaged in any way. Should a non-structural part (like trim pieces or slash guards) sustain damage, it may be recommended to repair it rather than replace it, as it is typically much more affordable and the corresponding repair job doesn’t take long. Don’t hesitate to ask for estimates to see if you can afford the total cost of repairs or to inquire whether or not you will need aftermarket parts.
Replacing or Repairing Internal Structures
The internal combustion engine represents the crux of your automobile. The timing chain, crankshaft, camshaft, spark plugs, pistons, valves, and cylinder heads are all elemental components of the engine block. The battery, radiator, alternator, brakes, and suspension are also all crucial parts of a vehicle’s internal system and should be treated with care.
Replacing or Upgrading Body Work
Some experts recommend getting a compressor and a paint sprayer for your DIY car body repair work to yield optimal results. A sanding tool can also be an effective way to get rid of dents and scratches, while a putty knife can be great for removing side molding. Be sure to ask around about what tools you should include in your kit for the best body upgrades and repair jobs.
Restore the Vehicle to Driving Condition
Once you have assessed all the damage and made all necessary upgrades and repairs, make sure you return your car to its proper driving condition. This entails checking that the tires are well-inflated for when you plan to travel long distances. Failing to do this can result in severe malfunction and thus additional expenses.
Work with Trusted Pros at Robs Customs & Restorations
Speak to the experienced professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia, to learn more about what type of collision repair you should expect to receive for your damaged vehicle and how much this service would cost you.
Rob’s pros have nearly 30 years of experience working with nearly all different types of cars and are determined to help you end up with a car that reflects your unique taste and personality. Robs Customs & Restorations provides both frame and rust repair and performs high-quality paint jobs. The team will ensure the metal on your car’s frame is straightened and provide a skim coat of filler to eliminate any issues in the metal. In order to remove rust from your car, Rob’s pros will use a wire brush and a grinding wheel and then smoothen it out with sandpaper. This will help minimize the amount of decay your car experiences. They even offer a comprehensive rust repair inspection.
Call Rob’s Customs & Restorations today at (703) 552-5001 or contact them online to receive a free estimate for repairs or to learn more about their services.