After a Collision, Can Your Car Truly Be Restored to Its Former Glory?

Following a collision—especially a major one—it's not unusual for vehicle owners to wonder if their car will ever return to its original state. Just like restaurants or any other business, the collision repair industry spans a spectrum of quality. If your vehicle sustains collision damage, the first step is to locate a reliable auto body repair shop with a strong reputation. Collaborating with skilled and conscientious professionals significantly increases the likelihood that your vehicle will regain its pre-accident condition.

 

Finding the Right Collision Repair Center

• Do your due diligence by checking reviews across multiple platforms such as Google, Yelp, Car Wise, and even third-party survey organizations.
• Certifications matter. The most prestigious and widely recognized collision repair certification is I-Car Gold Class. A facility cannot achieve any other certification without first earning I-Car Gold, which requires annual recertification through ongoing education to stay current with proper repair techniques for today's vehicles.
• Look for a warranty. A reputable collision repair center in Scottsdale typically offers a limited lifetime warranty on workmanship for as long as the customer owns the vehicle, while parts and refinish products are subject to the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Consider how long the collision repair facility has been in business and whether it maintains a solid track record. While some shops may have been around for decades, not all have kept pace with training and modern computerized equipment required to repair newer models.
• What is the repair facility known for? Quality or speed? Think of it like comparing a fast-food chain to a gourmet restaurant—both serve food, but the experience differs greatly.

Will My Car Be the Same After Repairs?

• A high-quality auto body shop will perform a comprehensive repair, addressing every aspect of collision damage, from the car's exterior to its mechanical and electrical systems. It’s important to remember that modern cars are vastly different from those of 15 years ago. Today’s collision repair technicians don’t simply "hammer out dents"—they also deal with complex onboard computers, sensors, and wiring that can be severely affected by impacts.

 

Key Steps in Collision Repair

• Pre-diagnostic scanning provides technicians and estimators with a full understanding of non-functioning components such as onboard computers, sensors, wiring, and safety features.
• Full disassembly of the impacted area removes exterior panels so that hidden damage beneath can be thoroughly inspected.
• A detailed repair plan is created, far surpassing the scope of a simple estimate.
• The repair planner researches and provides technicians with industry or manufacturer-approved repair procedures based on the vehicle's year, make, and model.
• Post-diagnostic scanning ensures all components function correctly after the repair process.
• Calibrations may be necessary depending on the vehicle's electronic systems.
• Quality control checks and a final test drive ensure everything is in order before the vehicle is returned to the owner.

 

A trustworthy collision repair shop in Scottsdale prioritizes the entire repair process, from aesthetics to mechanics to the vehicle's electrical and computer systems. Proper procedures take time and involve costs. Quick, inexpensive collision repairs often lead to unsatisfactory results and can create more stress for the vehicle owner down the line.

 

Parts Used

At Airpark Collision Center, we prefer Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. These are the same parts that came with your vehicle when it was brand new. However, many insurance companies opt for aftermarket or salvage parts instead of paying for OEM ones, which is a topic worth exploring further. Click here to read our blog on this issue: /blog/oem-salvage-or-aftermarket-parts/

 

Even when insurance companies select non-OEM parts, choosing a quality-focused collision repair shop still matters! Although we cannot compel an insurance company to cover OEM parts, there are certain actions we can take.

• Salvaged parts are OEM but used or recycled. This isn't necessarily a poor choice if the collision repair shop inspects them carefully. Often, a recycled part is in excellent condition, and any subpar parts will be rejected by a reputable shop.
• Aftermarket parts are manufactured by companies other than the original manufacturer or those not approved by the manufacturer. Not all aftermarket parts are bad, but inspections at the collision shop are critical. If a part doesn’t fit properly, we can provide photos to the insurance company and demonstrate why an OEM part is necessary. While this process takes time, the policy wording allows the insurance company to decide which types of parts are covered. In some cases, customers discuss the issue with their insurance adjusters if the parts choice is a significant concern.

 

Is It Safe to Buy a Vehicle That Was in an Accident?

When considering purchasing a previously damaged vehicle, keep these factors in mind:

• What is the extent of the damage?
• Does it have a salvage title? Vehicles with salvage titles can be difficult to insure.
• Who performed the repairs? A reputable collision repair shop makes a big difference.
• Can you find a collision damage assessor for an evaluation?

 

Can a Total Loss Be Repaired?

A total loss doesn't always mean a vehicle is irreparable. There are several reasons why a car might be declared a total loss:

• The cost of repairs exceeds the car’s value.
• Replacement parts are unavailable or on extended backorder.
• The damage is too extensive for collision repair.

 

Diminished Value

Even after quality collision repair, your vehicle may look and operate flawlessly, but a potential concern could arise from a Carfax report. While Airpark Collision Center does not report to Carfax, other entities such as the police, city departments, or even tow companies might. Questions regarding diminished value should be directed to an attorney or insurance provider. Typically, the collision repair facility's involvement is limited to providing the vehicle owner with a detailed invoice of the auto body repair, including parts and labor.

Airpark Collision Center opened in 2006 with a commitment to quality auto body repairs and honest, friendly service. Over the years, we've witnessed numerous changes in vehicle construction and the collision repair industry. Each year, we invest in further training and acquire the latest tools and equipment at our north Scottsdale location. Stop by or click here for a free estimate.