Year: 2021

Auto body repair shops are everywhere, and most of them look the same on the outside. But when you start comparing one body shop to the next, you might find that some of them are certified while others aren’t. What makes auto body repair certified? And does it even matter if you take your car to a certified body shop?

Certification has always been important, and as auto technology continues to advance, knowing about those credentials will help you choose the best body shop in your area.

The Meaning of Certified

When you look into what makes auto body repair certified, the answer is simple. A certified collision repair shop has technicians who were certified by automotive manufacturers to perform certain repairs. An auto body shop with trained and certified technicians is going to be the right choice when you need repairs done to your vehicle. Certifications show that the body shop prioritizes quality instead of speed when it comes to repairs.

Additionally, “certified” shows that the shops will have invested in procuring the proper tools from manufacturers to make the required repairs. This comes at an expense to the auto body shop, but it proves to you that they are reputable.

Why Auto Body Repair Certification Matters

But why does any of this matter? Certification proves that an auto body shop has higher quality training and equipment, so they can make higher quality repairs. Car repair is not as straightforward as it was in the past. Technicians now have to focus on the technology within the vehicle, not just the machinery. Since technology and auto body parts function simultaneously and are dependent on one another, technicians need to follow set specifications from the manufacturer in order to do the repairs correctly and maintain the warranty (if there is one) on the vehicle.

When auto body repair is certified, it’s also good for the value of your vehicle, because the body shop will use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Although OEM parts are slightly more costly than aftermarket parts, they are designed to fit perfectly in your vehicle’s make and model. Plus, you get a warranty should something happen to those replacement parts.

Manufacturer Certifications All Differ

At Elmer’s Auto Body, you will notice that we have a number of industry-leading certifications, including I-CAR Gold-Glass, ProFirst, and Assured Performance Certified Care Center. We are also certified by manufacturers like Ford, GM, and Hyundai to repair their vehicles. All brands have different standards, meaning that each certification has a unique set of requisites.

Some brands even add extra steps for their collision repair certified facilities. For example, GM stipulates that certified auto body repair shops scan the vehicles before and after the repairs. GM also has technicians perform repairs that they were specifically trained and certified to do.

Many manufacturers conduct audits on their certified collision repair centers to make sure that the facilities are maintained and that rules are being followed. This ensures that the technicians are worthy of the certification—and that every repair is done correctly.

So when you see that an auto body repair shop is certified, you know they have undergone training, use OEM parts, and follow strict rules in order to keep their status.

What Are The Best Auto Body Repair Certifications?

Aside from having certifications from manufacturers that prove an auto body shop has the correct equipment for repairs, they should also have additional credentials. An example of this would be the I-CAR Gold Class certification. The highest honor from I-CAR is Gold Class, which means that the auto body repair shop utilizes state-of-the-art technologies and employs only the most professional and trained staff.

To visit an I-CAR Gold Class auto body shop is to have an outstanding experience. They will also have employees who specialize in specific areas, such as painting, dent repair, framework, and more. Keeping that I-CAR certification is also an ongoing process. There are several programs that are offered for employees to take annually, such as Hands-On Skills Development, Vehicle, and Technology Specific Training, and Welding Training and Certification.

An auto body repair shop certified with I-CAR is going to be superior to one that isn’t. Look for I-CAR Gold Class facilities whenever you need repairs.

Looking For Certified Auto Body Repair?

So what makes auto body repair certified? The training and the equipment that goes into getting the certification. Auto body shops regularly send their employees to training and will purchase specialized equipment to provide better service to customers like you. That’s why you should choose collision repair shops like Elmer’s Auto Body, which has 8 certifications and is a certified collision repair facility for several manufacturers.

Contact our team today to learn about our high-quality services or schedule your appointment.

When you have experienced an accident, you want things to return to normal as quickly as possible. This includes the exterior of your car. Ideally, you want your car to look exactly as it did before the damages from the crash, whether because of the trade-in value or sentimentality. A major portion of the repairs is going to belong to paint repairs.

Post-accident repair requires the technician to match the color of your vehicle and repaint the damaged portions without needing to repaint everything. In other words, the colors must be matched perfectly, or you’ll be driving away with a patchwork car. While this might not bother some people, others are going to want nothing less than seamless repair. For that, auto body shops use a machine called a spectrophotometer to get the perfect color match.

Common Challenges in Auto Paint Matching

When a damaged vehicle arrives at the auto body repair shop, one of the first things the technician does is look at the paint. Cars usually have base colors that are listed on the spec sheet, and you can often find the color code somewhere within the vehicle, like on the inside of the driver side door. However, the paint is going to fade a little, based on aging and the environment.

This means that relying on the base color might not yield a perfect color match. When that happens, the auto body repair shop has to do one of the following:

• Deal with the mismatched color. If the paint is going to be somewhere that is unnoticeable, the client might be willing to accept the slight mismatch. This is the least desirable option, however, because it makes the repairs obvious.
• Create a custom color. While challenging, this is an aesthetically pleasing option. It’s also time-consuming, moderately expensive, and may require trial and error before the color is correct. This is made more difficult when performed with a visual color matching assessment.
• Repaint the entire vehicle. If the mismatch is going to be very noticeable, the body shop might decide to repaint the whole vehicle. However, this is problematic. The customer or—more likely—the insurance company is not going to want to pay the cost.

You may have already guessed that only one of these three options is truly acceptable—the custom color. Now, while it’s the best alternative, it also introduces a high risk of error. Even a small variation in the new paint will be noticeable and, worse, unsatisfactory. Auto body repair shops are committed to delivering the best experience, so rather than guessing what goes into a customized color, they use a modern spectrophotometer to color match correctly.

What is a Spectrophotometer?

A spectrophotometer is a device that was created to measure electromagnetic energy at a specific wavelength of light. The device then uses that energy and light to determine the colors present.

In other words, a spectrophotometer measures how much a substance or color reflects or absorbs light. While people might think of car paint as either blue or white or glossy or matte, the spectrophotometer breaks down those characteristics even further.

How Do Spectrophotometers Work?

The basic function of a spectrophotometer is to quantify the absorption of photons. The more photons present, the more intense the light. There are two parts of the spectrophotometer—the spectrometer and the photometer—that perform individual tasks:

• Spectrometer: Uses a lens to split a prism into individual wavelengths. A typical spectrophotometer can measure 31 wavelengths within a 300nm-wide range. More expensive versions can read over 150 bands of light within an 800nm-wide range.
• Photometer: A device that counts the number of photons absorbed before sending the calculation to a digital display. The intensity of each group is measured on a scale of 0-100.

Combined, the spectrophotometer generates data about the colors and wavelengths involved. You can then take that data and determine which color of paint was used on a vehicle.

How Spectrophotometers Help With Auto Paint Color Matching

Now that you know about how spectrophotometers work, you can see how these devices can assist with limiting the trial and error with color matching. Auto repair shops have portable spectrophotometers that work much more quickly and accurately than visual color matching. Even if the car has customized or vintage paint, the spectrophotometric color measurement works quickly and efficiently.

The process for using a spectrophotometer involves:

• Cleaning the panel that needs to be color-matched. Dust and dirt have to be removed completely. Otherwise, it will throw off the spectrophotometric color measurement.
• Taking several readings with the spectrophotometer. The technician will take multiple readings to get a precise result on the auto paint color.
• Testing sample colors based on the results. After finding the exact shade of the paint, the technician will mix up a few samples of paint and test that color against the vehicle to ensure the correct match.

As you can see, a portable spectrophotometer streamlines the color matching process while increasing accuracy. This is a useful tool, and if you need your vehicle repainted, ask the auto body shop if they have one of these devices on hand.

Wrapping Up

Spectrophotometers are an innovative way to mix auto paint colors even when that color is no longer commercially available. This means that even antique motor vehicles can be repaired without having a damaged exterior. Essentially, a spectrophotometer allows an auto body repair shop to return a vehicle to as close to its pre-accident condition as possible.

When you’re involved in an accident, one of the first things you want to do is get an estimate for repairs or any other damage to your vehicle. With my way of thinking about getting an estimate, I want to find an auto body shop near me that provides a fair and reputable quote.

If you’re affected by an accident, it can be a frightening and trying experience, plus if you’re dealing with any kind of injury or injuries, you’re not initially worried about getting your car immediately fixed. You know the whole situation means getting involved with insurance companies and the hassle of it all, but you need to take care of your transportation. Go ahead, if possible, and take your car in for an estimate. Patiently wait for the estimate and schedule an appointment for repairs.

Worthwhile Estimate

When you’ve been involved in an accident, you’ll want to find several body shops in the area where you live. One thing is certain, make sure that any shop you choose is well-established, qualified, thorough, and also conscientious enough to pinpoint all the damage to your vehicle, plus give you a fair estimate. With an estimate, you want quality work, a good price, and the timing necessary to accommodate your situation.

In addition, you want to make sure before getting an estimate that you have done your research as far as the reputations of body shops in the area. You’ll also want to read any reviews from other car owners. Do make sure that you get a breakdown of every repair that they will make along with the costs for labor and any parts.

Be sure that the estimate they gave you is the right amount to repair your vehicle correctly. Do comparisons of any estimates you receive on a line-by-line basis. This will enable you to make the best and informed choice, though quality work is your primary goal. Search for shops that offer factory allowed repairs, particularly if the vehicle you are driving is used for business use. Also, remember that the lowest quote or easiest estimate is not always the best. Ensure yourself with the right estimate, one that entails all expenses and real workmanship.

Low Estimates

Be careful of insurance adjusters that are acting as a third-party representative. They’ll tell you there are other body shops that can repair your vehicle for a lot less than the other estimates you may have gotten. Some insurance companies will engage in special deals with repair shops that offer low-end work for them. The shops will get more referrals for their less than quality work. None of these cheaper perks offer any guarantees that your inspection is thorough, and the work is of quality.

You also want to get inspections from independent body shops. With independent body repair companies, you can make comparisons with insurance recommended shops. If the independent estimates are higher than the insurance company’s estimate, the insurance company estimate is probably a poor choice. You would prefer that repair work be done by a shop chosen by you. Estimates from independent body shops can help you negotiate your claim.

Insurance Company Delays

An insurance company’s estimates or inspections often help to delay repair work on your vehicle. When your vehicle cannot be inspected in a timely manner, at least within a week of the accident and time has already been set aside for an inspection, plus you have gotten written independent estimates, there are always going to be reasons for delays.

There is almost always going to be a passage of time with insurance companies, which can’t be helped. They are busy handling other cases, so you need to take that into consideration. Be aware of these delays, but remain in contact with your insurance company. Call them with questions in the process and ask them about delays. It’s a standard procedure that an insurance company will inspect your vehicle within a week following the accident. Get written estimates and do what you can to move the process along. Give any pertinent information and answer questions that are put to you by the insurance company.

Don’t enable an insurance company’s estimates or inspections to delay your repair work. When you have heard nothing and you have gotten several estimates you should probably have the repair work done and ask for reimbursement once the work is complete. Again, be conscious of higher estimates, as an insurance company will probably approve the lower estimates and will not settle quickly when the work is complete. Also, most of the time, an insurance company doesn’t have to pay for a rental car or other kinds of transportation.

Just remember that your goal is to receive reimbursement from the insurance company as soon as possible. You want the repair work done quickly so you can return to a normal life. So, it’s usually best to wait, if you can, for the reimbursement check before you have any work done on your vehicle. Ask if they will pay for alternative transportation, like a rental car, while they make your repairs.

It’s Not Always About The Cost

You don’t want to determine your decision purely on price. Estimates vary, but you can’t just assume that a body shop is charging you more than necessary. The same holds true for a low estimate, which could be a tipoff to be wary of. In the end, you get what you pay for along with dissatisfaction with the repair work. Remember the line-by-line comparison with any estimates. Quality should always be foremost in your mind, along with the shop’s reputation.

If you’re still not sure of the estimate process and what you have to go through, yet still want a quality shop to do the repair work, contact Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202. You’ll be happy you did, as Elmer’s is not only dependable, but they’ll work with your insurance company and do the work quickly, efficiently and return your vehicle in pristine condition.

When your vehicle is damaged in a collision, you might worry about those repair costs. If the damage is minor, you could be tempted to ignore it. However, even those minor scrapes and dents can lead to problems down the road. In any case, you will want to bring your vehicle to an experienced auto body repair center for an inspection. When the issues are addressed immediately, you can avoid many of those long-term problems. Plus, repair work ensures your vehicle looks and performs great throughout the years. Here are a few reasons why you should never ignore those minor dents and scratches on your vehicle.

Don’t Procrastinate on Those Repairs

Many people look at that minor damage on a vehicle, and they think it is no “big deal.” You might have other matters in your life, such as juggling responsibilities with work and family. The thought of leaving your car in the shop might seem like a hassle that you just don’t want to face. However, that procrastination can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Most minor car repairs can be completed in a short time without spending additional money on the vehicle. In some cases, your insurance might cover the majority of the expenses. Unfortunately, many car owners postpone these vital repairs. As previously stated, when you put off a minor body damage repair, it is never a good idea for your vehicle or budget.

Prevent Additional Damage

When you ignore minor damage to your vehicle, it can often lead to additional damage to the exterior of your car. The exterior plays a significant factor in determining the value of your car. If there is a minor dent or scratch, that damage can become worse over time. In fact, it only takes a little dent to break the clear coat of your vehicle to start the rusting process. For those proactive vehicle owners, you can maintain the value of your car and prevent any worsening problems by getting that body damage repair completed immediately.

Maintain the Appearance of Your Vehicle

If your car has a slight scratch or dent, that damage can affect the appearance of your vehicle. When the dent is severe and affects the paint, you might be looking at problems with corrosion around the damaged site. In most cases, a professional body shop has the tools to fix these problem areas quickly. Many times they can repair the problem in less than a day. When you have so many options available for a fix, why should you delay getting that minor damage repaired?

Avoid Lowering Your Vehicle’s Value

You might not think that that minor dent is a big deal now, but it will become an issue when you sell or trade-in your vehicle. A dent could signal that your car was involved in an accident, and many people will avoid purchasing these vehicles. Along with that, those unsightly dents and scratches can show that you just don’t care to maintain your car’s appearance. As a result, you will get less than the asking price. This lower price will also extend to those who trade in a vehicle at a dealership. If you want to get the best value for your car, then you need to get those minor issues fixed on your vehicle.

Prevent Further Accidents

While a dent on your car might seem like no big deal, it could be a symptom of more significant problems under the surface of your vehicle. If you want to assess the damage to your car, you should always make an appointment at your local body shop. When you repair those minor scratches and dents, you can avoid any potential accidents to your car.

For example, if you avoid fixing your bumper, it can lead to damage. A small scratch or dent can weaken the structural integrity of that component and compromise the safety of you and others on the road. If you are involved in another collision, all those safety features could be compromised, leading to severe injuries or death.

Filing an Insurance Claim

You could be tempted to skip the insurance claim for that minor damage, but that can cause issues in the future. If your bumper was damaged and you don’t fix it, the damage could be discovered down the road in the event of another accident. If your insurance company finds that unrepaired damage, they could deny your claim. In some cases, the insurance company will cover minor damage without increasing your rates.

Don’t Ignore These Repairs

While you already know that you shouldn’t avoid minor repairs, some need to be addressed immediately, such as:

Bad Alignment: If you have hit the curb with your car, you might notice that the steering wheel feels “off.” You might control the vehicle by adjusting your driving habits, but this problem will worsen over time. Along with that, misalignment can wear down your tires.

Taillight or Headlight Damage: Any damage to these areas must be completed as soon as possible. In many cases, these lights are required by law to be in working order. In addition to getting a ticket, it is dangerous to drive with this broken equipment. Without properly working lights and headlights, you could cause a serious collision.

Paint Scratches: Your paint protects your vehicle’s structure from rust. If you avoid these repairs, the metal underneath the surface can become damaged. Once rust settles into the metal frame, it becomes a costly repair to try to fix.

Auto Body Shop Near Me

If your vehicle has been damaged in a collision, you want to have an experienced auto shop complete those repairs. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we have the equipment and technicians to get your vehicle back on the road, and we will quickly take care of those minor repairs. In some cases, dent and scratch repairs can be completed in as little as a day. We will restore your vehicle back to its original condition. You can schedule a consultation for your vehicle by giving us a call at (856) 218-0202.