What Questions Should You Ask an Auto Body Shop Before Approving Repairs? Insights from an Auto Body Repair Specialist in Glendale Heights, Illinois
Before you approve any body repairs on your car, it helps to be prepared with some important questions. After all, what you agree to at the beginning can affect the safety and long-term value of your car.
Below, this auto body repair specialist in Glendale Heights, Illinois is going to highlight some of the key things you should ask before approving auto repairs.
Questions about parts
One of the first things you should ask any auto body shop is what parts they will use. Specifically, ask if they are using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket parts.
OEM parts are made by the vehicle’s manufacturer to match your car exactly as it left the factory. Aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies, and their quality can be all over the place.
The difference between OEM and aftermarket parts is very noticeable on newer cars where panels, sensors and mounting points are engineered to tight tolerances. Using lower-quality parts can affect how safety systems work and may even impact resale value.
An experienced auto body repair specialist in Glendale Heights, Illinois should be able to explain all this. If they can’t explain where their parts come from or why they are recommending a certain option, consider that a red flag.
You may also want to ask them how parts availability could affect the timeline. Sometimes the right part just is not immediately available. A trusted professional will tell you how they source parts and how they manage delays if something is on backorder.
Questions about how repairs are performed
The next step is asking how the actual repairs will be carried out. Most modern collision repairs start with blueprinting. That is the step where the vehicle is partially disassembled so mechanics can see damage that is not visible from the outside. A small dent can sometimes hide bent brackets or structural issues that need urgent attention.
Qualified auto body repair specialists use computerized measuring systems to compare your vehicle to factory specifications. These systems confirm that the structure is returned to its original dimensions.
Timing is also something you should discuss with your local auto body repair specialist. Collision repairs today can take a very long time and there are many reasons for that.
Modern vehicles require diagnostic scans before and after repairs. Advanced safety features like lane assist and blind spot monitoring usually need calibration after repairs. Paint also needs proper curing time to achieve a smooth and durable finish. On top of all that, parts availability and insurance approvals can influence the schedule.
Your local auto body repair specialist will give you a realistic timeline and explain what could delay it. They should be comfortable breaking the process into stages and keeping you informed if something changes along the way.
Questions about warranties and guarantees
Even the highest quality repair should come with some form of reassurance. When you are talking to an auto body repair specialist in Glendale Heights, Illinois, it is fair to ask about the warranty on the work. Any warranty should be provided in writing and clearly explain what is covered and for how long.
Looking for an auto body repair specialist in Glendale Heights, Illinois?
Are you searching for an auto body repair specialist in Glendale Heights, Illinois you can trust? If so, you’ve come to the right place — Lombard Body & Fender is the top choice. We can answer any questions you may have about auto body repairs. Contact us today to get in touch with our experts.
