What is Collision Repair?
If you’re involved in a car crash, having an understanding of how collision repair can help understand what goes on behind the scenes, as the expert technicians at Caliber Collision work hard to get you back behind the wheel, Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life®.
Collision repair involves all the processes needed to restore your car to its pre-collision condition. It requires repairing your car cosmetically and structurally so that it’s in safe driving condition and aesthetically pleasing after a car accident, fender bender, act of vandalism, or weather event (such as when a tree falls, colliding with your car and causing damage).
Collision repair is necessary to fix cosmetic damages to your car. However, it’s even more vital to address safety issues that could crop up from impacts during a collision.
A collision repair professional is trained to look for damage that affects more than just the aesthetics of your car. Collisions — no matter how minor — can damage components such as your vehicle’s drivetrain, safety sensors, suspension system, and alignment. Caliber’s collision repair pros often spot and fix problems that can lead to major issues and safety concerns.
So, what exactly goes on behind the doors of your local Caliber Collision location once your car arrives for repairs?
Understanding Collision Repair
The goal of collision repair is simple: restoring a damaged vehicle. Suppose you’ve been involved in a collision. In that case, a key objective of collision repair is to restore the vehicle's structural integrity.
Another goal is to repair damage to the car’s exterior and interior. A big part of collision repair involves ensuring the proper functionality of the car and safety features.
Common Types of Collision Damage
Much of the damage incurred during a collision is exterior since an impact with another vehicle, tree, animal, fence, or other structure can cause things like:
- Scratches, chipped paint, and abrasions
- Dings, dents, and creases
- Damaged or torn-off bumpers, fenders, and panels
If you’re involved in a collision, your car can also sustain structural damage, which can risk your safety and the safety of your vehicle’s occupants. Structural damage due to a collision can include:
- Frame misalignment
- Frame bending
- Cracked or otherwise damaged chassis
The mechanical damage resulting from a collision can be substantial too. Besides a wrecked car’s engine, mechanical damages can affect the transmission, suspension, and electrical systems.
Collision Repair Process
The collision repair process the Caliber Technicians go through is straightforward but involves multiple steps to ensure that the repairs you receive from our team meet or exceed industry standards. These include:
Assessment
This is an initial assessment of your car and an evaluation of sustained damage. The technicians perform a meticulous and thorough inspection of your vehicle’s exterior, its interior, and its mechanical components.
With that, they can identify issues with the vehicle before commencing the collision repair process. They also use diagnostic tools to identify hidden damages.
Disassembly and parts replacement
The technicians remove any damaged parts and components, sourcing and ordering high-quality replacement parts so that you can count on the quality of the work they do for you.
Structural repairs and alignment
It involves using high-tech, precision equipment to straighten your damaged car’s frame and ensure proper alignment. When needed, the collision repair experts weld and reinforce any damage to the structure for the reliability and safety of your repaired vehicle.
Bodywork repairs
Auto body repairs are a big part of collision repair. This includes repairing dents and dings and addressing panel damage through various techniques like reshaping and filing. Caliber’s collision repair professionals apply primer and sand the damaged components, which ensures a smooth surface for the next step, painting.
Painting and refinishing
Sanding, cleaning, and masking prepare the surface of your vehicle for painting. Our technicians then apply a base coat, clear coat, and any specialized finishes required to give your ride a seamless showroom look.
Reassembly and final inspection
Parts and components are repaired, or new parts and components are installed. A comprehensive inspection and expert calibrations are then conducted to ensure quality and safety standards.
Test drive
Auto repair professionals put the finished repair work to the test with a test drive. The test drive assesses performance, handling, braking, and other metrics, so you can be sure your car is in excellent driving condition when you slide back into the driver’s seat.
Importance of Professional Collision Repair
Restoring a car, truck, SUV, van, or other vehicles to its pre-collision state requires expert knowledge and experience, underscoring the importance of professional collision repair.
The team at Caliber Collision is specially trained in various types of collision damage and has access to specialized equipment and tools essential for precise repairs that you can count on. Caliber Collision’s technicians are well-versed in the various safety standards, compliance regulations, and manufacturers' guidelines required to restore your ride to its pre-collision condition. And we do all this while preserving your vehicle’s value, good looks, and warranty.
Choosing a Reliable Collision Repair Center
If you’re involved in a collision, things can get hectic fast. When you choose Caliber Collision, you can rest assured one of the best repairs possible. Using the latest technology and techniques, Caliber Collision returns your wrecked car to its pre-collision condition.
We have over 1,700 Caliber centers in communities across the U.S., and each of these centers boasts dedicated teammates who are passionately working towards our mission of Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life® on a daily basis. If you’re involved in a collision, visit https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0211-auto-repair-basics to learn about your options. Even better, contact our knowledgeable and friendly staff now to discuss your collision repair needs and see how Caliber Collision can help.