COLLISION REPAIR FAQs
What is ‘Auto Body Repair?’
At its core, auto body repair aims to restore the vehicle to pre-accident condition. Each job is different, making the process unique for each repair, depending on the damage sustained. Professional auto body repair procedures cover everything from identifying hidden structural damage, taking precise measurements, straightening the frame, repairing panels, applying and sanding body filler, matching color to factory paint, and ensuring the car’s safety systems function properly before it returns to the road.
- Preliminary Inspection and Estimate
The process typically starts with an inspection by a qualified estimate writer. They will locate and assess the areas requiring repair or replacement and create a tentative blueprint that outlines their plan of action. The initial estimate, or preliminary estimate, created is a rough calculation that approximates the cost and scope needed to fix the vehicle. However, estimates may not always be final as there could be underlying hidden damage beneath the surface of the damaged car. If the customer decides to proceed with the repair plan, necessary parts are ordered and the job is scheduled.
2. Disassembly and Inspection
The teardown phase is when our experienced technicians complete a meticulous disassembly of all damaged components to get a closer and more accurate evaluation of the necessary repairs. Panels are removed, trim is taken off, and nearby mechanical or electrical components are disconnected. As our technicians take apart the car layer by layer, a supplement to the original estimate may be necessary if there was damage hidden underneath other damaged parts.
3. Metal Work
If required, structural correction begins. The car is mounted onto a frame straightening bench and secured at specific anchor points. Technicians use hydraulic equipment to pull distorted sections back into position while the measuring system tracks what needs further correction. Welding may also be required within this stage, usually when replacing weld-on panels such as quarter panels, rear body panels, and pillars.
4. Panel Repair and Surface Preparation
Following structural repair comes panel repair. During this stage technicians work on fine-tuning any low spots in the metal work to smooth out rough areas, sometimes with the use of bondo, a type of body filler. The broken parts that needed replacement are aligned to make sure they fit correctly before getting prepped for paint. Whether repairs or replacements were made, the surfaces of the panels are sanded, primed, sanded again, and inspected to avoid any imperfections before sending the vehicle to the paint department.
5. Refinishing
Once the vehicle is prepped technicians mask off the vehicle to ensure there is no unwanted overspray. One of the most crucial aspects of the repair process is matching your paint. Paint is matched using a state-of-the-art spectrophotometer, a high-tech camera which captures pictures to evaluate the correct color for a perfectly matched paint job. Using the vehicle’s factory paint code is not always accurate as there are many variants to each code, which can produce a color that does not match consistently to the vehicle. Our painters make sure repaired panels blend seamlessly into the rest of the car.
6. Reassembly and Calibration
After the refinishing stage is complete, technicians get to work putting your vehicle back together one bolt and clip at a time. We make sure all gaps line up better than factory. After reassembly, calibrations may be necessary for newer cars to ensure all safety and convenience systems function properly as the manufacturer intended. A test drive is also taken to guarantee the vehicle is safe to drive, no warning lights have gone off, and no wind noise is heard.
7. Detailing
The final step consists of fully detailing the vehicle. We hand wash the exterior using hot pressurized water and pH-neutral soap. The interior is vacuumed along with every surface wiped down to make sure the car is cleaner than when you left it with us.
How much do repairs cost?
The cost of auto body repair services can vary depending on several factors; the extent of damage sustained, the make, model, and year of the vehicle, as well as the specific repairs needed. When it comes to price, parts vary when considering replacing or repairing certain components. Then the price will change based on what type of parts you are buying-OEM, AM, or LKQ. Without assessing a car’s damage in person it is challenging to provide an accurate estimate. We recommend contacting or visiting our shop for a professional evaluation for your car’s specific needs.
Do I have to go to the shop insurance suggests?
To put it briefly, NO. The insurance company cannot tell you where to have your vehicle repaired. It is important to note although insurance may suggest specific repair shops affiliated with them to use, it is ultimately up to the owner’s discretion where the car is repaired. Insurance will still cover repair costs even if the shop you prefer is not a direct repair facility with them. What matters most is choosing a shop you trust. If you are having trouble navigating the insurance process feel free to reach out to our shop. Our professional estimate writers have the patience and experience to deal with insurance so you don’t have to.
What’s the difference between OEM, AM, and LKQ parts?
OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer” which means the parts come new and undamaged straight from the car’s dealership. OEM parts are typically more expensive but they also offer higher quality, greater durability, original dealership fitment, and a longer lifespan. Genuine OEM parts preserve the quality and value of a vehicle while maintaining new vehicle warranties. OPT OEM (Optional OEM) or ALT OEM (Alternative OEM) parts may reflect a unique discount or special within the price. These parts may or may not be procured through alternate sources other than the OEM dealer/parts distributor. OEM parts may be more expensive, but overall they are the best option to select. In the end, quality should trump cost.
AM, or Aftermarket parts are brand new components made by third-party manufacturers. These parts are usually less expensive than OEM, but the fitment and quality varies enormously depending on the part. AM parts may void dealership warranties, lifespan may be shorter than OEM, and they are not tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. AM parts are sometimes used to enhance a vehicle; lift kits, sound systems, etc, or they offer replacement body panel parts. As they are not produced by the original manufacturer, they are sometimes recognized by an industry accepted certification entity, i.e., CAPA, Certified Automotive Parts Association. CAPA AM parts have passed a testing protocol that other aftermarket parts have not. CAPA-certified parts are better than uncertified aftermarket parts, although they are still not the same as OEM.
LKQ stands for “Like Kind Quality”. LKQ parts are used, original parts pulled from totaled vehicles which are checked by salvage yards. Hence why they are often referred to as “recycled” or “salvage” parts. Because LKQ parts are made by the original vehicle manufacturer they offer a precise factory fitment, better than AM, but they may show signs of minor wear and tear. LKQ parts are the least expensive of the three, but a better option than AM.
JZS Auto Body does not use Aftermarket parts unless CAPA certified. We will work with you to help you decide on the best option when replacing parts. Each kind of part has its own value and use. OEM is the best option overall to keep your car up to factory specifications while AM parts may be a better option for an older vehicle. Insurance companies will try to force body shops to use AM parts over OEM because of the price difference. Here at JZS we fight for you to make sure you are getting quality parts that fit correctly and look original.
What is bondo and is it bad for my car?
“Bondo” is a lightweight polyester based plastic body filler. It was made to replace the older use of lead body solder. Plastic body fillers are intended for small dings, smoothing out warped panels or fixing any imperfections in the surface. Bondo is perfectly acceptable to have on any car as long as the metal underneath was prepped correctly as well as the bondo was mixed and applied properly. Most cars on the road nowadays have some sort of bondo on them, but if it was done correctly, the naked eye will not be able to detect any bondo usage. The bad reputation against bondo comes from improper usage and incorrect application. You never want to put bondo straight onto rust, a smooth painted surface, or anywhere that gets too hot. A general rule of thumb is to never build bondo up too thick- no more than ¼ inch. When done accurately and used sparingly, bondo leads to a beautiful foundation that could last a lifetime.
What is PDR work?
PDR, or Paintless Dent Removal, offers a revolutionary approach to fixing minor dings or dents without touching the vehicle’s original paint. It preserves factory finish while delivering faster and more affordable results. Technicians gain access to the backside of the damaged panel and use specialized rods or picks to gradually push metal back to the original form. Some repairs call for techs to pull from the outside of the panel using adhesive tabs and slide hammers. Unlike traditional dent repair, PDR jobs are complete in hours rather than multiple days. This type of repair only works when the painted surface remains intact; PDR cannot be used on panels with cracks, chips, or stress lines.
How should I care for my car after having collision repair done?
The first 90 days after your auto repair are absolutely critical for ensuring your investment lasts for years to come. Paint care after repair requires specific attention during this critical “curing” period. When your car receives fresh paint, the paint doesn't instantly become as durable as factory finish. Your paint may feel dry within hours, but it keeps hardening underneath for weeks. The curing process is a gradual chemical reaction where solvents evaporate and paint molecules cross-link to form a hard, protective barrier.
For the first 90 days:
Hand wash using cold water and mild car wash soap, pH neutral
Avoid commercial car washes (Brushes and cloth systems can scuff fresh paint)
Do not wax or polish your vehicle (Wax can trap solvents leading to a dull finish)
Park in the shade if possible (Prolonged sun can slow proper curing)
Everyday care:
Avoid parking under trees or in direct sunlight
Use a damp microfiber rather than a dry cloth when drying your vehicle
Rinse any spills, bird droppings, or pollen off your car as soon as you notice them
If you like to wax your vehicle, carnauba wax is a great product.
By following these guidelines, you're ensuring that your vehicle maintains its appearance and value long-term. Once your paint has fully cured, maintenance becomes straightforward, and you'll have confidence knowing you've given your new paint the best possible start.