Year: 2021

The Different Types of Windshield Glass Damage

Your car windshield plays an important role. It keeps you safe from debris and dirt on the road. It can bear an onslaught of rain and hail during those severe thunderstorms. While it is solid and durable, the windshield can become damaged after a severe impact. When your car has a damaged windshield, you will want to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Here are the different types of windshield glass damage that you might see on your vehicle.

Types of Windshield Glass Damage

If your vehicle’s windshield is damaged, you can either replace or repair it.

Minor Chips

As you travel down the road, an impact from a stone or pebble can leave a small chip in the glass. These chips might seem like minor issues, but your glass could need a replacement. Depending on the chip’s size, severity, and location, a small chip could result in a total window replacement. You will want to have your window inspected by a professional. Some technicians can use the latest technology to repair those minor chips. If the chip damage is only on the surface of the glass, it should be a simple repair for your local auto body shop.

Bull’s Eye

One of the most common types of windshield damage is the bull’s eye. When debris hits your windshield, it can leave a circular break in the glass. Many of these cracks are small in size, but they could lead to a full windshield replacement. If you see this type of crack on your windshield, make sure to bring it to a repair shop right away. This type of damage can compromise the rest of your glass. However, most of these chips can be repaired by a trained technician.

Star Break

Everyone loves stars until you see one on your windshield. This chip damage resembles a starburst on the glass. From the point of impact, it might have various lengths extending from the center. If you don’t treat these cracks, they can spread throughout your windshield. In turn, the glass will start to weaken. When you spot a star break, you need to get it repaired immediately.

Clover Leaf

Despite the name, these chips do not bring good luck. This type of chip damage is more severe than the others. It involves a separation of the underlayers of glass. If you find this damage, contact your local technician. A professional can quickly repair these chips.

Bee’s Wing

A bee’s wing is similar to a star break, and it can spread out to other parts of your glass. However, this is another easily fixed chip.

Half-Moon

This chip looks like a half-circle in the middle. If you find the right windshield technician, it is an easy fix for your vehicle.

Combination Break

Some types of damages have a combination of these chips. In many cases, the chip damage can be easily repaired by a trained professional. Many of these chips are fixable, but you need to act immediately. If you leave the damage on the window, it will often expand to other areas of the glass. As a result, a simple fix turns into a complete windshield replacement.

Unrepairable Chips

Unfortunately, some repairs are not fixable. When a chip exceeds 40mm in diameter, you will need to replace the entire windshield. You also have to look at the severity of the damage. If the chip penetrates both layers of the glass, your windshield will need to be replaced.

The damage should never obstruct the driver’s vision. If that is the case with your windshield’s damage, it is time for a replacement. Finally, tiny chips can be easily fixed, but a vehicle littered with several chips will also need a new windshield.

Cracks

Along with chips, cracks can also be found on your windshield’s glass. Cracks can begin in the corners of your windshield and quickly spread. For that reason, these cracks compromise the integrity of the glass. You will have to replace the entire windshield.

If the polyvinyl layer of the glass has been damaged, then a crack repair is not a feasible option. You can always talk to a professional windshield expert about your damage. However, you will find that most cracked glass leads to a total windshield replacement.

Damaged Windshield Hazards

As you already know, the windshield is an important safety component of your vehicle. If you drive around with a chipped or cracked windshield, you could be putting yourself or others at risk. You need proper visibility as you drive down the road. When the damage is in your line of sight, it can lead to accidents.

Along with that, damaged glass can affect the structural integrity of the windshield. During an accident, your passengers can be ejected from the vehicle, or the roof might collapse. Even your airbag relies on a well-maintained window. If your windshield is broken, then this safety component could fail to deploy.

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>
If you find any damage in your car, you will want to contact a professional auto body shop. These technicians have state-of-the-art tools to fix your glass. If you need a windshield replacement, they also will make sure your vehicle has the right glass and proper fit. They understand the safety requirements to help protect everyone on the road.

You never want to drive around with a damaged windshield. It can endanger the life of you and your passengers. These tiny cracks and chips might seem harmless, but they can lead to catastrophic problems down the road.

Contact an Auto Body Shop Near Me

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we want you to be safe on the road. Our team has the experience to work on your vehicle. Whether you need a repair or replacement, we can handle all those tricky windshield issues.

We are an I-CAR Gold Class and Assured Performance certified shop. Our crew has the expertise to work on a variety of makes and models. Don’t drive around with a damaged vehicle. Make sure to call Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202 to schedule an appointment.

What Collision Repair Challenges Do Hybrid Vehicles Present?

The market for hybrid vehicles has boomed in the past few years. Drivers want to find cars that are more eco-friendly than those older predecessors. However, there are few things you will want to know about these cars. For example, if your vehicle is involved in a collision, it can present some challenges for your auto body shop. Restoring a damaged hybrid does have some unique challenges. Here are some ways that an auto body shop will repair your vehicle and get it back on the road.

What Is a Hybrid Vehicle?

Hybrid vehicles (HV) were first introduced in the 1990s. These vehicles use a diesel or gas engine with an electric motor. As a result, the vehicle emits less CO2 and consumes less gas. You can purchase a hybrid vehicle as a “plug-in” or conventional model.

Most major automobile manufacturers offer the conventional hybrid. They have a gasoline engine that will charge up the modestly sized battery as you drive. Since the engine only charges the battery, you will not be able to charge it from an outlet. These cars can only drive a short distance on electric power.

The second type of hybrid vehicle is the “plug-in.” These types of cars are only available from a few automakers. They have a large battery that can be charged by plugging into a charging station or standard wall outlet. Once the battery is fully charged, it can run without any gas. This hybrid can also operate in a mode that consumes both electricity and gasoline.

Some Challenges To a Hybrid Vehicle Repair

Both types of hybrid vehicles have complex electronic systems with complicated equipment. If you need to get your car repaired, you want to stick with an auto body shop that has experience with these vehicles. Since the electric systems are vital, one wrong move could damage several essential components.

The battery is another vital piece of the hybrid vehicle. Over the lifetime of the car, you will save money on those traditional repairs. However, if you need to replace the battery, it can cost you a few thousand dollars. For those severe collisions, you will need to have your battery inspected to make sure it is operating at an efficient level. Once again, you want to take your vehicle to a certified and experienced auto body shop that can handle these hybrid repairs.

Finally, the biggest challenge is finding the right mechanic for your car. These components require a particular set of skills. Many repairs require more technical expertise than the standard car repair. If your mechanic doesn’t know what he or she is doing with your vehicle, it could cost you several thousand dollars in additional repairs.

I-CAR Hybrid Repair Recommendations

Since hybrid vehicles have unique safety concerns, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) has established safety protocols to protect auto body shop technicians,

insurance adjusters, and the hybrid vehicle. These recommendations provide set safety standards for both plug-in and conventional hybrid models.

Before Starting a Repair

Since the hybrid’s system can be damaged from standard towing methods, it cannot be moved on its own wheels. The vehicle must be placed on a flatbed to prevent any damage. Those system components are sensitive. Any of these parts must immediately be inspected for signs of damage. A trained technician will examine specific areas of the vehicle, such as the cooling system of the engine. Due to the particular service requirements of these systems, the technicians must be trained and certified to work on a hybrid vehicle.

With standard cars, the body panels can be removed from the vehicle. However, in a hybrid, system batteries, connectors, wires, and modules are often placed in the panels. Your technician will inspect these areas for damage. If certain areas of the hybrid car are damaged, it can cause more issues with your vehicle. Your technician will use the right equipment and service oils to protect these valuable parts.

Wearing Proper Protective Gloves

Since a hybrid has a delicate electrical system, your technician will wear protective gloves to work on the vehicle. If a compromise is detected in the car, the built-in safety interlocks and circuit monitoring system will shut down.

The gloves also protect the technician from any injuries. There are plenty of high-voltage components in the vehicle, including the inverter assembly, electric drive motors, PHEV charge ports, and the service plug fuse and receptacle.

The Teardown and Reassembly Stages

Before the electrical propulsion system can be touched, it must be disabled for safety reasons. Your technician will shut down the engine to prevent damage and injuries to those around the vehicle. A digital volt-ohm meter is used to confirm that the car is completely disabled.

Trained technicians will never place their fingers directly on the system connectors or parts. It is important to keep these elements free from fluid, dirt, or other contaminants. A scan is used to detect any potential issues with the system. These issues come in the form of an error message, and the vehicle might also present DTC or MIL codes.

Once the technician has inspected the hybrid’s system, you will know if there have been any compromises to the vehicle. If the hybrid needs to be repaired, the technician will fix the components and parts according to your auto manufacturer’s specifications.

Repairing a hybrid car can be tricky. Without the proper training, an inexperienced technician can cause additional damage to your vehicle. If you want to avoid all those hassles, make sure to find a professional hybrid technician for your vehicle.

The Right Auto Body Shop Near Me

No matter what car you drive, you want to find a qualified and experienced technician for any repair job. Elmer’s Auto Body has been serving the South Jersey community for over 70 years. We have I-Car Gold Class and Assured Performance certifications. Along with that, we are certified by several manufacturers, such as Chevrolet, GM, Ford, and Nissan. You can count on us to bring back the original look of your vehicle. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call us at (856) 218-0202.

Reasons Why You Should Avoid DIY Autobody Work

You want to do the bodywork on your vehicle, but you know without a lot of hands-on experience you’re going to be limited in what you can do. So, are you going to admit that you’re just not ready for that? Will you do it anyway and suffer any unforeseen circumstances? Seriously, what should you do?

It’s probably best to find an auto body shop near me, rather than attempt to do the work on my own. Incurring the costs of mistakes can backfire on you sooner than you think. There are reasons you should avoid do-it-yourself auto bodywork. Here are some of the most important reasons you should put auto bodywork in the hands of a professional.

Time Involvement

You think that you’re saving money by doing bodywork yourself, but did you ever take into consideration how long any do-it-yourself repairs will take? When you prep your vehicle for rust repair, sand it, paint it, and allow it to dry, you’re talking about a simple repair job turning into a week-plus endeavor.

Health Concerns

There will be residual effects that can impact your health when going the do-it-yourself route. You can breathe in the fumes of paint, dust from particulates, and fiberglass. You’ll deal with fine-grained matter floating in the air along with pieces of extraneous metal. These are just a few of the effects that come with body repair work. For your health, any auto bodywork should include using the right equipment and isolating areas of a shop to handle contaminants.

Matching Paint

Repairing smudges, gashes, cracks or chips are simple tasks that most people think they can do on their own, but touching up these areas isn’t as simple as it looks. If you’re trying to match the exact color of your vehicle, you’ll have to know the various levels of paint that were in use on your car. With new and varied paints, any touch-up work is going to mean making a perfect match and matching paint can be difficult. An exact color match isn’t always going to be the answer.

Many paint formulations require additional coats and unique mixes. This means if you’re doing paint touch-ups yourself, you could wind up with an uneven match. You also need to leave room for any mistakes that you make. A true auto body painter is skilled in the process and has the technique down to a science. With painting, you might just want to leave it to the experts.

Costly Tools

When you don’t have the right tools for auto bodywork, even the easiest of jobs become difficult and if you can’t afford to add the right tools to your arsenal, you could be out of luck with do-it-yourself auto bodywork. Also, even if you could purchase the tools, it may limit you on the room to store them in a garage or storage area. An auto body shop will have the right tools to do the job.

Rust Removal

Removing rust is another problem that many believe is easy to remedy, but eliminating rust from a vehicle is different. Rust can get into the openings and cracks of your car and become hard to remove. You’ll need the help of professionals for deep rust removal. They know how to rid your vehicle of rust that hides in the deeper regions of your car. Use that rust remover you bought for other projects in your home.

Replacing a Windshield

You may think you can save money by installing your own windshield, but you’ll either have to buy or find a used windshield and the adhesive and other parts to complete the job. Even if you install it yourself, there’s a strong possibility for leaks and loosening.

Results of Your Own Repair

Just because there are several videos out there that teach you how to remove dents and other related repairs doesn’t mean you’re going to become an overnight auto body technician. You can easily miss damage that goes unseen by the untrained eye.

Say you decide to do auto body work on surface scratches and you find out that those same scratches are simply concealing something more involved. You may be out of luck with disguising those scratches, as the problem may not be what you think it is. That’s one good reason to allow a professional to examine your vehicle for both surface and underlying damage that may have occurred, particularly when your car involves collision work.

Professional Experience

Professional experience is really important with auto bodywork. When you attempt to do your own work, you’ll probably end up needing help with small to even larger repairs, especially if you’ve tried it on your own. The job turns out to be a lot more costly than if you had gone the professional route. If you want a finished and exacting look, there’s no doubt that professional services are the way to go.

Less Costly than you Imagine

Putting it all together with the time involved with auto body repair, the equipment used, and the final showroom finish, a professional job is really more affordable. It’s much less costly to do something right the first time around rather than to do the work yourself and then have to take your vehicle to a body shop to repair your costly mistakes.

If you want to know more about auto bodywork or you just have general questions or want to schedule an appointment, contact Elmer’s Auto Body. Call us at (856) 218-0202. They’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you avoid the pitfalls of doing the work yourself. Our qualified auto body technicians know how to spot underlying conditions plus get your vehicle in pristine condition.

Different Types Of Rear-End Collision Damage

Rear-end collisions are the most common accidents on the road. In most cases, these accidents are minor and cause little damage to the vehicle. However, damage from this type of accident can cause hidden problems for your car. After an accident, you should have your vehicle inspected by a professional. There are several ways that a rear-end collision can affect your vehicle. If you have been hit, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Look for Hidden Damage

If you are involved in a rear-end accident, there may be little to no damage. Unfortunately, many vehicles have plastic bumpers that can hide damage from an accident. This type of damage is not easily noticeable, but it can cause severe car problems.

Rear-end accidents can cause significant damage to the frame of the vehicle. If the frame is bent, you might not notice it until you take the car to a professional auto body shop. Any damage to the structure creates plenty of issues with the vehicle. In turn, it will be impossible to drive the car. Rear-end damage can also cause problems with the traction control and tires.

Accident damage causes problems with the doors and other vehicle parts. Your doors might not close properly. Other parts of the vehicle will not line up with the rest of the car. Even if the damage does not create immediate problems, you might have issues down the road. Rear-end damage generates stress on the suspension system. As a result, the shocks, struts, and suspension parts begin to wear down.

Any damage compromises the safety of the vehicle. Your car is designed to handle impacts and accidents. Those components offer some protection for the driver and passengers. If any of these parts are damaged, it may not hold up if you are involved in another accident.

Issues With Alignment

After an accident, you might experience some issues with the vehicle’s alignment. A rear-end collision can cause damage to the structure that maintains the vehicle’s alignment. In turn, this damage will affect how the vehicle drives on the road. Alignment issues can cause the vehicle to pull to one side. Your tires might feel like they are not grabbing the road. In icy or rainy conditions, this could be a recipe for disaster. If you notice these problems, you need to have your vehicle inspected.

When you avoid taking care of these issues, your car might experience more severe problems in the future. An improperly aligned vehicle can be harder to maneuver and cause an accident. In other words, you have an unsafe vehicle on the road.

Damage To The Trunk

After an accident, your trunk might seem to be in good working order. In some cases, there could be unseen damage. The trunk contains small mechanisms that help it stay closed. A minor accident can damage those mechanisms. As a result, the trunk can pop open as you drive down the road. Your latch might even be difficult to open if there is damage from a rear-end collision.

Once again, you might have issues with the trunk door’s alignment. This damage can make it hard to open or close the trunk. In addition to dealing with this frustrating problem, any gaps can allow water to seep into the trunk area. If this happens to your vehicle, it can damage your belongings. There is also a risk of rust to the inside of your trunk.

Electrical Issues

The electrical system of a vehicle can be damaged by a rear-end accident. Any impact can cause the wires to loosen. If there are no problems after the accident, your regular driving habits can separate the wires or cause failures to the rest of the system.

Your tail or brake lights can malfunction. If that happens, it is a dangerous situation on the road. Other drivers might not know if your vehicle is slowing down or stopping. These problems might make it impossible to see your vehicle in low visibility conditions, such as rain or night. Any loose wires can make it difficult for the rest of your electrical features to operate. It might even put stress on the battery.

Transmission Problems

A rear-end collision can damage your transmission system. These issues often go unnoticed until the system has failed. In turn, this issue can create more damage to the vehicle as you deal with hefty repair costs. If your car has a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, some of the components are located in the transmission system near the car’s rear. A minor accident can damage or shift these components. If there are any fluid leaks, that can put stress on your transmission.

Rear-end damage is an issue for your exhaust system. The tailpipe is located at the back of the vehicle. When there is a rear-end collision, the impact can push the tailpipe and the exhaust system to the side. You might experience damage to the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, and other parts of the exhaust system.

All these hidden issues are common after a rear-end collision. Your insurer adjuster or mechanic might not find all the vehicle’s rear-end damage. As a result, this can pose a severe risk down the road.

Find A Professional Auto Body Shop

It is essential to take your vehicle to a certified collision expert. Minor accidents may leave little visible damage, but there could be issues lurking under the surface. A certified professional can find these problems and prevent any future issues.

If any damage is missed by a mechanic or insurance adjuster, the insurance company will only pay for the noted damage. You might find damage in the future, but your insurance often will not cover those repairs. However, if you take your car to a certified auto body shop, you are assured that they will address the damage.

Looking For An Auto Body Shop Near Me?

Elmer’s Auto Body is ready to repair your vehicle. We specialize in fixing damage from rear-end collisions. If you want to set up a consultation, give our shop a call at (856) 218-0202.

Start Your Search

Online reviews can be a useful resource, but these blurbs don’t answer all your questions. There are times when you have a specific concern or need to find out more about the shop’s services. Here are the top 10 questions you need to ask your auto body repair shop.

1 – What Are Your Certifications?

You want to make sure that your shop can handle the job. Certifications assure you that the shop and its technicians are qualified to work on your vehicle. You should look for I-CAR and Assured Performance certifications. These designations mean that the shop has the skills to complete a safe and high-quality repair. All auto body shops will be proud of their credentials, and they will showcase them at the shop.

2 – Do You Have Experience With My Specific Make And Model?

Whether you own a foreign or domestic model, you want to know that the auto body shop has the experience to fix your vehicle. Many shops are certified by specific car manufacturers. With these certifications, you know that they have the training and expertise to repair your vehicle.

3 – Will You Work With My Insurance?

When your vehicle has been damaged, you have to contact your insurance company to fix it. You should choose an auto body shop that has a working relationship with your insurance. In many cases, they can help expedite your claim and make the process easier for you.

4 – What Is The Payment Policy?

Most shops have their payment policies posted for the customers to view. These shops outline their policies regarding the materials, labor rates, warranty information, guarantees, and accepted forms of payment. If you don’t see any of this information listed, you need to ask the shop about their specific policies.

5 – Are All The Repairs In Writing?

When you take your vehicle in for a repair, you will receive a written estimate. You should not have work done unless you get an estimate. This piece of paper protects you from any unscrupulous body shops. All professional repair shops put everything in writing and explain the repairs to you. After the work is complete, you will get an itemized bill. If there are discrepancies, you can ask for an explanation from the shop. However, the shop must notify you if the actual work will cost more than the estimate.

6 – What Type Of Warranty?

Many reputable shops will back up their parts, labor, and other services with a warranty. You do need to find out what the warranty will cover. In some cases, the warranty might only be valid for a certain amount of time. You want to know that if anything goes wrong with the repair, the shop will take some responsibility.

7 – Is My Car Covered In The Shop?

Since you will be leaving your vehicle in the shop, you need to know it is protected from accidents. Many auto body shops carry theft and fire insurance. If the car is destroyed, stolen, damaged, or burglarized, does the shop have insurance for those specific calamities? You can verify the auto body shop’s insurance policies. As the vehicle is getting repaired, you must keep paying your insurance premiums. You want to keep your car protected even if you are not driving it for a few days or weeks.

8 – What Is The Estimated Repair Time?

Before you bring in your vehicle, you want to know about the amount of time allocated for the repairs. This answer depends on many factors. The extent of the damage to the vehicle, the auto shop’s schedule, and the availability of parts all play a role in determining your repair time. If your car needs a simple fix, you might be a few days without your vehicle. However, vehicles with severe damage could spend one to several weeks in the shop. You should also know that there can be delays in the repair process. Make sure to plan for all scenarios so that you are not stuck without any transportation.

9 – Does The Auto Body Shop Provide Rentals Or Loaner Vehicles?

Everyone depends on a vehicle to get them around town. When you don’t have a car, it can be a major inconvenience. For the most part, you will need a rental vehicle. Some auto body repair shops have a rental car facility near their building. They might even offer a special rate from the local rental companies in the area. In a few cases, the auto body shop has some courtesy cars for their customers. Most shops understand that you need a vehicle for the duration of the repair process. They will work with you to get a rental so that you are not stranded at the shop.

10 – Will The Paint Match The Rest Of The Car?

Now that you’ve found the right auto body repair shop, you want to know about the quality of work. Most repairs require new paint on the vehicle’s surface. You want to make sure it matches the rest of the car. Professional repair shops use a paint code that is an exact match for your vehicle. However, you can always find out the specific process from your auto body shop.

With these few questions, you can find the right auto body repair shop to fix your vehicle.

Find An Auto Body Shop Near Me

If you want a professional repair for your vehicle, make sure to reach out to Elmer’s Auto Body. We have the experience to fix your car and get it back to its original condition. Our team is trained and certified to work on many different makes and models. You can schedule a consultation by calling the shop at (856) 218-0202.

How Auto Body Shops Identify Unseen Damage After a Collision

When you are involved in an accident, the damage might not be visible from the outside of the vehicle. Cars and trucks have plenty of hidden systems that help with the operation of the vehicle. When damage is not fixed, it can lead to costly repair bills for you. However, hidden damage cannot hide from a specially trained technician. If your car has been involved in an accident, a professional auto body shop can find that unseen damage and get your vehicle back on the road.

Types Of Hidden Auto Body Damage

After an accident, you need to bring your vehicle to a shop for an inspection. Those areas that look crumpled and dented will often have the most severe damage. While your car might look drivable, some issues can occur from a low or high-speed accident. An auto body technician will be able to find problems with the suspension, steering, brakes, or engine components. These issues are often not discovered until the vehicle is in the shop and on the lift. The most common forms of hidden damage are found around the crumple zones. You want these areas repaired to ensure proper drivability and maximum safety for your vehicle.

Here are some types of unseen damage you might find on your vehicle.

Bumper Damage

If your bumper is slightly dented in a crash, it could be hiding more severe damage below the surface. A trained body shop technician will often remove the bumper to check the components underneath the vehicle. The bumper and other parts are designed to absorb any impact. Once the bumper’s integrity is compromised, it doesn’t have those same safety features. You never want to ignore these issues. In the event of another accident, you can have some serious safety issues.

Brake Damage

Your brakes play an essential role in the safety of your vehicle. The force of an impact can damage those sensitive braking components. In some cases, the parts can loosen or break off from the car. If the accident was severe, you might even experience a leak in the brake line. When the brake lines are damaged, it can make your vehicle a safety hazard, and it will be unsafe to operate on the road. You will want to get your car in the shop as soon as possible.

Suspension System Damage

The suspension system is often damaged in a crash, but you cannot tell it by looking at the vehicle. It doesn’t take much to damage these sensitive driving systems. You can drive too quickly on an unpaved road or hit a large pothole. As a result, you are left with suspension system damage. This system is used to maintain control of the vehicle. In other words, it is a critical system, and you will want to get it assessed by a professional auto body shop technician. The technician will check the shocks, struts, and springs to see if there is any damage. If anything needs to be repaired, the technician can replace these components.

Identifying Unseen Damage After A Collision

While you might be able to see a dented bumper, broken windshield, or scratched paint, there are times when damage is not visible. For those cars with automated driver assistance systems (ADAS) and other sensors, a slight bump can cause a significant amount of damage. After a collision, you want to bring your vehicle to a professional auto body shop. These professionals can determine if the damage has impacted the vehicle’s safety and performance features.

Since many newer vehicles use sensors to assist with driving, a crash can damage these components. Many of the components are located in the front or rear bumpers. Some safety sensors are also placed throughout the exterior and interior of the vehicle. These sensors work together with the onboard computer to help with parallel parking assistance, collision prevention, and backup assistance. After an accident, you want to ensure that all these systems are fully operational before you hit the road.

Fortunately, many auto body shops have ways to determine the hidden damages to your vehicle. Many professionals use diagnostic scanning to look for any issues. When you drop your car off at the shop, a diagnostic scan is performed on the entire vehicle. This system allows the technician to identify any hidden damage so that they don’t waste time on unnecessary repairs.

A repair technician will connect your car to a specialized scanner that performs the diagnostic assessment. If any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) appear, the technician will be alerted to the problems. The scan performs an inspection of your car’s various features and programs. Any miscommunications or issues with those systems will throw out an error code. With this type of system, the technician can pinpoint any problems with your vehicle.

In some cases, the technician does have to physically remove a part to inspect the damage. Components might appear to work until a professional technician visually inspects them. For example, there are components in a bumper that may seem fine. However, the parts will not show damage until the cover is removed from the vehicle.

With these tools, the technicians can find the source of the damage and repair your vehicle. While you might receive an estimate from the body shop, you will not know the full extent of the damages until the car is thoroughly inspected. As the vehicle is dismantled, some additional issues will become apparent, such as broken components. It is essential to take your vehicle to an experienced and professional body shop. These technicians have the latest technology to diagnose your vehicle correctly.

Find A Great Auto Body Shop Near Me

If you are looking for an exceptional auto body shop, make sure to visit Elmer’s Auto Body. Our team has the equipment and experience to spot any unseen damage lurking in your vehicle. When we find any issues, our team can fix the problem and get you back on the road. You can schedule a consultation by calling (856) 218-0202.