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

When you're getting an estimate or leaving your car at a collision repair center, one of the first questions that naturally comes to mind is how long your vehicle will be in the shop. This is a valid concern, and not too long ago, it was relatively straightforward to give an accurate estimate. However, like several industries, the world of collision repair has undergone significant changes—most of which are tied to the growing complexity of modern vehicles, especially their advanced electronics and computer systems.

A few years back, I read an article explaining that auto body shops might handle fewer cars annually but the time and cost involved in each repair would increase. The piece elaborated on how cars equipped with advanced safety features like lane departure warnings and automatic braking were less prone to accidents. But when they did get into accidents, the repairs became more intricate, involving not just physical bodywork but also addressing issues within the vehicle's electronic and safety systems. Below are some of the key factors that now influence the duration of vehicle repairs.

 

The Diagnostic Pre-Scan

Over the past five years, pre-and post-diagnostic scanning has become highly recommended, if not essential, for most vehicle brands. When a car arrives for an estimate, the estimator typically examines visible damage. Once the vehicle is handed over, it undergoes a pre-scan to identify any error codes in its electrical system. This step provides a comprehensive overview of the vehicle's electrical health, which is distinct from dashboard warning lights. The diagnostic pre-scan helps the collision repair shop understand what components aren't functioning properly in the vehicle's electrical and safety systems.

 

Disassembly and Identifying Hidden Damage

After the pre-scan, the vehicle is disassembled by the collision repair technician. At this stage, the estimator or repair planner will examine any hidden damage beneath the surface. Detailed photos are taken and sent to the insurance company to document additional parts or labor required to restore the vehicle to its pre-accident condition. This process can lead to delays, as the collision repair facility often needs to wait for insurance approval before ordering extra parts or proceeding with additional labor.

 

Parts Availability

The availability of vehicle parts can sometimes play a crucial role in how quickly your car gets fixed. At Airpark Collision Center, our parts department meticulously inspects every component for quality, while the collision repair technician ensures the part fits correctly. If a part fails inspection, it must be reordered, causing further delays.

 

Special Edition or Heavily Customized Vehicles

Cars that are special editions or heavily customized tend to take longer to repair. These vehicles often require specialized parts that are not always readily available, and outsourcing to specialty shops can slow down the entire process.

 

Repair Procedures

Following specific repair procedures is another relatively new aspect of the collision repair industry. While there has always been an established standard for "how to repair," recent years have seen the introduction of detailed methods. Both vehicle manufacturers and collision repair facilities prioritize safety, meaning repairs or replacements are done in ways that protect occupants in case of future collisions. Adhering to these procedures ensures no shortcuts are taken, and reputable repair shops stick to this policy. These procedures often specify whether a part can be repaired or replaced, and sometimes even where the repair is acceptable. For instance, some bumpers cannot be repaired in certain areas due to sensor placement. Following these procedures takes time but is the right approach for today's advanced vehicles.

 

Sublet Vendors

Tasks like glass replacement, window tinting, calibrations, extensive mechanical work, or alignments are often outsourced to trusted third-party vendors rather than being completed in-house. If your vehicle requires any of these services, it will add to the overall repair time beyond the work needed to fix the body damage.

 

Post Diagnostic Scanning

Once the collision repair and any sublet work are finished, the vehicle undergoes a post-diagnostic scan. This final step ensures all components are functioning correctly. If anything doesn't check out, it needs to be addressed.

 

Insurance Payment Confirmation

Before releasing a vehicle, most collision repair shops, including those in Scottsdale, will want confirmation of payment from the insurance company. A quality repair involves using master technicians and high-quality materials, which customers expect to be covered under their policies.

 

In Conclusion

Remember, collision repair facilities are motivated to fix your car both correctly and efficiently. Properly repairing a vehicle involves collaboration with various parties, including parts suppliers and sublet vendors, as well as the insurance company. It's important to recognize that auto body repair isn't just about "hammering out dents" anymore. A reliable collision repair shop focuses on a comprehensive repair—not just aesthetic fixes. This means ensuring all mechanical and electronic components are working optimally alongside restoring the vehicle's appearance.

Airpark Collision Center opened in 2006 with a commitment to quality repairs and excellent customer service. Over the last 17 years, we've continued to adapt to advancements in the auto body industry, always prioritizing safe and accurate repairs. To schedule a free estimate or learn more, please call us or click here!