Synopsis
Xcel Collision shares some tips on how to verify whether collision repairs have been done properly so that safety, performance, and appearance are up to manufacturer standards. Key aspects include inspecting visible signs of repair quality, structural integrity, paint and finish, and functional safety features. Xcel Collision in Clawson, MI, serving drivers throughout Oakland County, emphasizes the importance of a meticulous post-repair inspection for both safety and resale value.
Key Takeaways
- Check that the panels are properly aligned, the paint matches correctly, and the trim fits as intended to confirm the repair quality.
- Inspect the frame and subframe for proper alignment to make sure of vehicle safety and handling.
- Verify the paint job for color consistency and proper application.
- Test electronic systems, airbags, and safety features to verify they function correctly post-repair.
- Compare final repairs with the original estimate to confirm the work matches the approved quote.
Not all collision repairs are done with the same level of care or precision. After an accident, getting your vehicle back in shape is only part of the process. Once repairs are completed, it’s important to take a close look to make sure everything was handled correctly. Even at a certified collision repair shop, mistakes can happen; panels may not align, sensors might be off, or paint might not match. Xcel Collision is a collision center that combines craftsmanship with care to restore your car’s safety, performance, and appearance. As a team led by owners who are technicians, we excel in collision repair techniques, adhering to high industry standards. Our team addresses more than the visible damage and restores safety features and performance components to factory standards. Xcel Collision encourages you to check the quality of collision repair. We explain what to look for before driving away from a collision repair shop.
Xcel Collision outlines the inspection process and explains why choosing a trusted collision center in Clawson, MI—serving Oakland County drivers—makes a big difference. Whether you’re checking repairs done at another collision repair shop or reviewing your vehicle after service, knowing what to check protects your safety and your car’s value.
What Is a Proper Collision Repair?
A proper collision repair restores your vehicle’s structure, safety systems, and appearance to manufacturer-approved standards. At its core, auto collision repair means repairing damage caused by an accident. But a complete repair involves more than replacing a dented panel or touching up paint. It must follow procedures to restore a vehicle to factory-approved standards and use the correct materials and tools.
For example, sensors tied to safety systems like airbags or lane assist must be recalibrated. Frame damage must be measured and corrected using the manufacturer’s specifications. Paint should match seamlessly and be applied in clean, controlled conditions.
Certified technicians—like ours with I-CAR Platinum certification—are trained to meet these standards. At Xcel Collision, every repair is completed using up-to-date collision repair procedures, I-CAR best practices, and industry-recognized techniques.
As a trusted collision repair shop in Clawson, MI, proudly serving Oakland County, Xcel Collision focuses on three key outcomes: safety, structural accuracy, and a professional finish. Knowing what proper collision repair includes helps protect your investment and your safety on the road.
Visible Signs of Quality Repair Work
After collision repair, visual inspection plays an important role in determining whether the work meets professional standards. Xcel Collision guides customers through what to look for so they feel confident in the results.
Panel Alignment and Gaps
Panels should line up evenly, with consistent gaps between the hood, doors, fenders, and trunk. Misaligned body panels are one of the clearest signs of rushed or improper auto collision repair. Run your fingers along the seams. Gaps should be uniform, not too wide or too tight, and doors or hoods shouldn’t rub or need extra force to open.
If a front fender was replaced after a collision, for example, it should align smoothly with both the hood and the front bumper. A properly repaired panel won’t stick out or sag.
Paint Match and Surface Texture
The paint should match the rest of the vehicle in both color and surface feel. At our collision center in Clawson, MI, Xcel Collision uses manufacturer paint codes and professional blending techniques to restore a uniform finish. Still, it’s worth checking under different lighting.
Poor repairs might show mismatched shades, dull areas, or “orange peel” texture. Check for rough spots, overspray on glass or trim, or areas with faded gloss—these all point to shortcuts during the collision repair process.
Hardware and Trim Fitment
Every piece of trim, lighting, and hardware should be flush, secure, and properly reinstalled. Badges, side moldings, door handles, and sensors should sit tight without wobbling. Headlights and taillights must align with the body and work as intended.
When we finish a repair at Xcel Collision, we verify that every part, no matter how small, is returned to its correct position. From parking sensors to mirrors, nothing should be loose or missing.
These visible cues help drivers feel confident that collision repair was done right, inside and out.
Structural Integrity – What to Check
A properly repaired vehicle should drive straight, with no pulling, and exhibit no signs of frame or subframe misalignment. At Xcel Collision, our collision repair shop in Clawson, MI, utilizes computerized measuring systems to restore your vehicle’s frame to factory specifications. This technology helps to deliver accurate repairs, maintaining the structural integrity of your vehicle.
Frame and Subframe
A correctly repaired frame makes sure that the vehicle drives straight without pulling to one side. After a collision, even minor frame damage can affect your vehicle’s alignment and handling. Signs of frame issues include uneven gaps between body panels, misaligned doors, or a steering wheel that doesn’t center properly. At our Oakland County collision center, Xcel Collision employs computerized measuring systems to detect and correct frame misalignments, restoring your vehicle’s structural integrity.
Alignment Issues
Unusual tire wear or a crooked steering wheel may indicate improper alignment after collision repair. Proper wheel alignment is necessary for safe driving and even tire wear. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or a steering wheel that’s off-center, it could be a sign of alignment issues stemming from frame damage. Our auto collision repair services at Xcel Collision include precise checks to address these problems.
Undercarriage Signs
Inspect the undercarriage for signs of poor welding, missing rust protection coatings, or uneven underbody sealing. The undercarriage can reveal the quality of collision repair work. Look for inconsistent welds, lack of rust protection, or uneven sealing, which may indicate subpar repairs. Such issues can lead to long-term safety concerns. At our Oakland County collision center, Xcel Collision pays close attention to these details, making sure that all undercarriage repairs meet industry standards and protect your vehicle from future damage.
For reliable collision repair in Clawson, MI, trust Xcel Collision to restore your vehicle’s structural integrity with precision and care.
Paint and Finish – Matching and Application
A properly done paint job should blend seamlessly with the rest of the vehicle’s original finish for consistency and a professional look. When checking the quality of your collision repair, one key area to inspect is the paint and finish. Modern auto collision repair centers, like Xcel Collision, use advanced digital color-matching technology to achieve a precise color match that seamlessly blends with the original paint. You can confirm this by inspecting your vehicle in direct sunlight or under bright artificial lights, which will highlight any inconsistencies or mismatches in the color.
Matching the Original Color
The paint should perfectly match the vehicle’s original color, with no noticeable differences.
Color matching is vital in collision repair, and it should appear consistent across all angles. If the vehicle has been correctly repaired, the new paint should be indistinguishable from the original. Any discrepancies (like a shade of color being off) indicate that the job may not have been completed correctly. Take your time to check in different lighting conditions to confirm there is no variation.
Clear Coat and Protection
A high-quality paint finish should include a clear coat for protection and durability. A protective clear coat is critical for maintaining the longevity of the paint. It adds shine and helps protect the paint from environmental factors. Examine the finish closely for any signs of imperfections such as haze, bubbles, or peeling. These flaws may suggest that the clear coat wasn’t applied correctly, which could reduce the durability and appearance of the finish.
Paint Lines or Overspray
Look for clean paint lines and no overspray on areas like glass, trim, or lights. During the painting process, proper masking is key to a quality job. If you notice tape lines on your vehicle’s glass, trim, or lights, this indicates sloppy work during masking. On the other hand, clean transitions between painted areas show attention to detail and a professional standard of work. Overspray is also a common issue, and any overspray left on your vehicle should be seen as a sign of an incomplete job.
At Xcel Collision, we prioritize delivering top-notch collision repair in Clawson, MI, for vehicle owners across Oakland County so that the paint job and finish meet the highest standards.
Functional Systems and Safety Features
When Oakland County drivers get their vehicle back from a collision repair shop, they should verify that all the functional systems and safety features are working as they should. A professional collision center should restore your vehicle to its original safety standards. The importance of these systems cannot be overstated; in fact, studies show that proper airbag deployment and sensor calibration reduce crash fatalities by up to 30% (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Here’s how to check the most critical systems.
Electronics and Sensors
ADAS systems, like lane assist or backup cameras, should be functioning correctly after a collision repair. These systems often require recalibration following a repair. Verify that all of these features are operational, as improper calibration can lead to malfunctioning systems that may compromise safety.
Airbags and Safety Lights
Dashboard warning lights should be off, and airbags must be intact and functional. After a collision repair, make sure no warning lights remain illuminated on the dashboard, especially airbag indicators. Airbags are vital in protecting passengers during a crash, so they must be properly installed and functional. If you notice any abnormal warning lights or airbag-related issues, return to the collision center for further inspection.
Mechanical Components
Listen for odd noises or check for leaks during a test drive. Your vehicle’s mechanical components should also be inspected after collision repair. Take your car for a test drive and listen for unusual noises or check for oil or fluid leaks. Any change in how the vehicle starts or drives, such as slow startup or odd sounds, could indicate incomplete repair work.
How to Verify Repairs Against Your Estimate
To confirm your collision repair was done properly, compare the final repairs to your original estimate. This is an important step to verify that your auto collision repair matches what you approved at the start.
Compare Final Repairs to Original Quote
A walkthrough helps confirm repairs match what you were quoted. At Xcel Collision in Clawson, MI, we recommend Oakland County customers begin with a detailed walkthrough. After your vehicle is repaired, we’ll explain what was fixed, why it was necessary, and whether any parts were repaired or replaced.
Look at each item in the estimate and match it to the completed work. For example, if the quote included a new bumper or replacement fender, check that these items are new and correctly installed. Ask questions if anything looks different or feels off.
Supplemental Repairs
Additional damage may be found after disassembly and should be documented. It’s common during collision repair at Xcel Collision in Clawson, MI, to uncover hidden damage. If this happens, we generate a supplemental estimate, explain the changes, and get your approval before continuing. Always ask for copies of these documents and confirm they were completed when you pick up your vehicle.
Verifying your final repairs helps confirm that your collision repair shop followed best practices from start to finish.
What To Do If You Suspect Poor Collision Repair
Start by documenting all concerns with clear photos and a written list of the issues. Take close-up shots of uneven gaps, paint mismatches, or any parts that seem misaligned. Make notes on what looks or feels wrong. Bring these to the collision repair shop that handled the work and request a follow-up inspection.
If you’re not satisfied, get a second opinion from another trusted collision center. At Xcel Collision in Clawson, MI, we review previous work and help you understand what may have gone wrong. For example, if your bumper isn’t sitting flush or your headlights are fogging, we’ll show you why and discuss solutions.
You should also contact your insurance provider. Let them know what’s going on and provide documentation. They may cover additional repairs or recommend a different collision repair shop for an inspection.
Don’t ignore issues after auto collision repair—small problems can lead to larger damage later.
Why Quality Collision Repair Matters in Oakland County – Trust Xcel Collision in Clawson, MI
Always verify that your auto collision repair was completed correctly—it directly affects your safety and resale value. If you’re questioning work done elsewhere, we invite you to bring your vehicle to our collision repair shop in Clawson, MI. Xcel Collision offers expert inspections to check for improper repairs and give you a clear explanation of what we find. As a trusted collision center serving Clawson, Oakland County, and nearby Michigan communities, we’re here to help with accurate, high-quality auto collision repair.
Reach out to Xcel Collision at (248) 965-3432 or info@xcel-collision.com for a second opinion or to request a same-day estimate for collision repair in Clawson, MI. Our team will review your vehicle thoroughly and help get it back to factory condition with safe, dependable repairs. We take care of everything from accurate paint matching to detailed structural repairs, all with the goal of restoring your vehicle to its original condition. Our team also works directly with your insurance company, so you don’t have to deal with the extra stress.
