Hands of car mechanic with wrench in garage
Fall is one of the busiest seasons for new vehicle purchases, since many new makes and models are introduced at this time of year. Today’s cars have more technology and advanced safety systems than ever before – but what if you’re in an accident and need to repair your vehicle? New technologies can be more expensive to repair, often requiring trained and certified repair professionals to restore all of the systems accurately.
For those reasons, car buyers should examine a vehicle’s safety systems and repair guides before buying. This can help protect you on the road and preserve the value of your vehicle in the event of a collision.
“When you drive in a city… with tremendous traffic, collisions are bound to happen,” says Karl Champley, an automotive and home improvement expert. “Many people here want the latest car with the most technology, and when they’re in a collision, they’re surprised by the cost and complexity of the repair. By doing some homework before the purchase, they can understand what might be needed to restore their vehicle to pre-accident condition and what collision repair partner they should select.”
There are hundreds of computer codes required to manage the operations of a vehicle. By having the repair facility scan those codes before the repair, they – and you – can get a more complete evaluation of what’s needed. A scan afterward ensures that all of the repair needs have been met. A high-quality collision repair facility will always conduct pre- and post-repair scans of a vehicle.
Many vehicles with advanced technology have cameras around the exterior to provide lane warnings, backup alerts and front distance notifications. Following certain types of collisions, these may need to be recalibrated to ensure they are performing correctly. Vehicles with advanced materials like carbon fiber, aluminum and high-strength steel also require special repair processes, as do hybrid and elective vehicles.
“It is important to carefully choose a collision repair partner who is certified and equipped to repair your vehicle back to pre-collision quality,” said Champley. “Research repair locations who are certified by the manufacturer of your vehicle.”
Don’t overlook talking with your insurance carrier when you purchase your vehicle to understand what repair processes are covered on your policy, added Champley.
“You should evaluate your insurance coverage not just by the deductible,” he said. “You need to understand if it requires OEM or aftermarket parts, if pre- and post-repair scanning are covered, if calibration is required and if OEM repair standards guide the repair process. This helps ensure your safety on the road in your repaired vehicle and preserves the value of that investment.”
While no one wants to think about their new vehicle being in a collision, a little research will help ensure it’s repaired correctly, protecting you and your investment.
Source: CARSTAR.com.
