How Long Will My Car Be in the Auto Body Shop?

Most people who bring their cars in for estimates or collision repair inevitably wonder how long their vehicle will be at the shop. It's a valid question, and not too long ago, you could expect a fairly accurate answer. However, like many industries, things have shifted significantly in collision repair, largely due to the increasing complexity of modern vehicles with advanced electronics and computer systems.

A few years back, I read an article suggesting that auto body shops might handle fewer cars annually, but each repair would take longer and cost more. The article explained that vehicles equipped with safety features like lane departure warnings and automatic braking were less prone to accidents. But when they did get involved in collisions, repairs would involve much more than just fixing dents. Below are some key factors that now influence vehicle repair times.

 

The Diagnostic Pre-Scan

Over the past five years, pre- and post-diagnostic scanning has become essential, if not mandatory, for most car and truck brands. When a vehicle arrives for an estimate, the estimator typically assesses visible damage. Once the car is dropped off, though, it undergoes a pre-scan to detect error codes—this gives a full picture of the vehicle’s electrical system, which goes beyond simply checking dashboard warning lights. The diagnostic pre-scan provides crucial information about what isn't functioning properly within the vehicle’s electrical and safety systems.

 

Disassembly and Identifying Hidden Damage

After the initial pre-scan, the vehicle is disassembled by skilled collision repair technicians. During this process, the estimator or repair planner reviews any hidden damage beneath the surface. Detailed photos are then taken and sent to the insurance company to confirm additional parts or labor required to restore the vehicle to its pre-accident condition. This step can introduce delays as the repair facility waits for insurance approval before ordering extra parts or proceeding with additional labor.

 

Parts Availability

Unfortunately, the availability of replacement parts can sometimes affect how quickly your car is returned to you. At Airpark Collision Center, every part is thoroughly inspected for quality by our parts department, and the collision repair technician double-checks for proper fit. If a part fails inspection, it must be reordered, adding further time to the repair process.

 

Special Edition or Heavily Customized Vehicles

Cars that are special editions or heavily customized tend to take longer to repair. Parts for these vehicles are often hard to come by, and outsourcing work to specialty shops can be a slow process. In some cases, finding the right experts might mean waiting weeks for the necessary resources to become available.

 

Repair Procedures

Following specific repair procedures is another relatively new aspect of collision repair. While there has always been a general standard for how repairs should be done, recent advancements have introduced precise methodologies. Both vehicle manufacturers and collision repair facilities prioritize safety, ensuring that repairs protect occupants in the event of future accidents. Adhering strictly to repair procedures means no shortcuts are taken, and reputable repair shops like ours maintain high standards of quality. These procedures often specify whether a component can be repaired or needs to be replaced entirely, depending on its location and function. For instance, some bumpers cannot be repaired in areas where sensors are installed. Following these protocols takes time, but it ensures the integrity of today’s advanced vehicles.

 

Sublet Vendors

Certain tasks, such as glass replacements, window tinting, calibrations, extensive mechanical work, or alignments, are often outsourced to trusted third-party vendors rather than being handled in-house. If your vehicle requires any of these services, it will add to the overall repair time.

 

Post Diagnostic Scanning

Once all collision repairs and sublet work are completed, the vehicle undergoes a post-diagnostic scan. This final step confirms that all components are working correctly. Any issues identified during this scan must be addressed promptly to ensure the vehicle functions as intended.

 

Insurance Payment Confirmation

Before releasing a vehicle, most reputable collision repair shops require confirmation of payment from the insurance company. High-quality repairs involve using master technicians and premium materials, which customers expect to be covered under their insurance policies.

 

In Conclusion

Remember, the collision repair facility is committed to returning your car to you safely and efficiently. Achieving a proper repair involves collaboration from numerous parties, including part suppliers and sublet vendors, as well as the insurance company. It's important to recognize that auto body repair has evolved far beyond simple dent removal. A reliable collision repair center focuses on comprehensive repairs—not just aesthetics—but ensuring all mechanical and electronic components function flawlessly.

Since opening in 2006, Airpark Collision Center has remained dedicated to providing top-notch repairs and exceptional customer service. Over the past 17 years, we've adapted alongside the ever-changing auto body industry, always prioritizing safety and precision. To schedule a free estimate, give us a call or click here!