Category: Auto Body Repair

After getting into a collision, you may end up with an estimate in hand. Most often, the insurance company will make it seem like this is the best offer you can get, while most people assume that the shop will “handle everything.” However, if you don’t know the parts being used, the repair procedures being utilized, or whether ADAS recalibration is required, you may feel left in the dark when it comes the repairs. That’s why it’s important to approve of the repairs being done by asking the correct questions.

Why Asking Questions Before Repairs Matters

Modern vehicles are more complicated to repair than those made fifteen years ago. In the past, vehicles didn’t have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), radar sensors, aluminum and high-strength steel frames, structural adhesives, and electronic safety modules. Vehicles are safer than ever, but these components can be damaged in even minor accidents.

For example, an ADAS sensor may need to be recalibrated to function properly post-repairs. If those sensors are missed during the repairs, certain safety functions could be inaccurate.

As a driver, asking about the parts selection, OEM procedure compliance, and diagnostic scanning can help you understand the cost of the estimate, turnaround time, and the overall quality of the repairs.

Question 1: Are OEM Repair Procedures Being Followed?

OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, is an important designation. Parts that are OEM come straight from the manufacturer and ensure that vehicles are repaired to factory standards. Furthermore, manufacturers publish information about structural repairs, welding requirements, sectioning locations, calibration instructions, and replacement rules. Auto repair technicians follow these procedures to restore the performance and safety of your vehicle.

An auto body repair shop that uses something other than OEM parts may not follow the same procedure or restore your vehicle from the same standard.

Question 2: Will OEM Parts, Aftermarket Parts, or LKQ Parts Be Used?

OEM parts are made by the vehicle manufacturer and are designed specifically for crash compatibility and fitment. As such, OEM parts are the golden standard.

Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers. Since the parts aren’t made according to the same standards as OEM parts, they may vary in thickness, fit accuracy, and material quality.

Lastly, LKQ (Like Kind and Quality) parts are typically salvaged from other vehicles. There is no guarantee that LKQ parts are going to alignment correctly. If ill-fitting LKQ parts are used, they can negatively impact sensor positioning and crash energy management.

Question 3: Will the Vehicle Receive Pre- and Post-Repair Diagnostic Scans?

Diagnostic scans are critical because fault codes may exist even when warning lights are off. This is especially true if certain sensors were affected by the collision. A pre-repair scan can assist the technician in identifying hidden damage, sensor failures, and safety system issues. Once the replacement parts are installed, a post-repair scan checks if the systems are functioning correctly. At facilities that use OEM parts, a post-repair is guaranteed since it is part of the approved repair procedure.

Question 4: Will ADAS Systems Be Recalibrated?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, such as lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, rely on the precise positioning of cameras and sensors. During a collision the measurements that enable ADAS to function may be thrown off, resulting in reduced performance.

Any time a windshield, bumper, or suspension component is replaced, the entire ADAS needs to be recalibrated.

Question 5: Has Structural Damage Been Fully Measured?

Even if a vehicle is driving straight, there can be elements of its structure that are misaligned after a collision. That’s why measurements are necessary. Modern collision repair centers use computerized measuring systems approved by vehicle manufacturers. The systems compare suspension mounting points, frame rails, and structural dimensions against the factory specifications.

Question 6: Will Hidden Damage Be Rechecked During Disassembly?

Hidden damage is often missed during an insurance appraisal because only the visible surfaces are checked. Often, hidden issues are found during the initial inspection at the collision repair center—after the vehicle has been disassembled.

Common hidden damages include:

• Bent supports
• Hidden suspension damage
• Sensor damage
• Cracked brackets
• Structural movement

This may cause a change in the estimate. Shops like Elmer’s Auto Body will report the hidden damages to the insurance company to see if the amount provided by the appraiser can be altered.

Question 7: What Warranty Comes With the Repairs?

Ask the auto body repair shop in South Jersey about warranties, including a paint, labor, corrosion, and parts. A reliable shop will stand behind their work. Ask to receive a copy of the warranties that are included so that you can refer to the documents if anything goes wrong with your repairs.

Question 8: Who Is Making Repair Decisions—The Shop or the Insurance Company?

In New Jersey, drivers have the legal right to choose the repair shop. This means that the insurance company cannot decide for you. While they manage the cost of the claim, they are not experts of the automotive industry. As such, it is highly important to select an independent auto body repair shop that will inspect the vehicle to ensure a full scope of safe repairs. Choose an auto body shop that represents your best interests and will provide you with OEM parts.

Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

Now that you know which questions to ask, let’s discuss the red flag answers:

• “We don’t need to scan the vehicle.”Yes, they do, especially if your vehicle has any sensors or cameras.
• “Those warning lights will clear themselves.”Safety system faults should always be verified.
• “Aftermarket parts are the same as OEM parts.” Sometimes but not always. Fitment and crash performance can differ significantly.
• “The alignment is close enough.”Even a minor deviation can impact suspension and ADAS accuracy.
• “We can skip recalibration.” ADAS systems need to be recalibrated after repairs that could potentially alter the positioning of sensors and cameras.

If a collision repair shop says any of these things or cannot provide you with an adequate response, look elsewhere.

Choosing the Right Collision Repair Center Matters

At the end of the day, no driver should feel pressured to approve repairs that aren’t fully understood. Since collision repair can affect the structural integrity and overall performance of your vehicle, ensure you are choosing the correct collision repair center in South Jersey. Look for businesses has certified technicians, the proper measuring equipment, and also uses OEM procedures.

Elmer’s Auto Body has been a top choice for South Jersey drivers since 1947. Family-owned and operated, we’re a customer-focused collision repair shop that believes in transparency.

Winter in South Jersey comes with accidents. The weather, matched with road conditions—like potholes—can accelerate wear and tear on your car or even cause collisions. As such, collision repair centers in South Jersey are often very busy during winter months. Then spring comes around and introduces a new list of stressors, like heavy rain and road travel. Even vehicles that haven’t been in an accident can face damages. That’s why it’s important to have your recently repaired vehicle inspected for issues before summer.

Here’s how to prepare for safe spring driving after a collision.

Why Seasonal Changes Matter After Collision Repairs

Temperature shifts play a role in how cars age and perform. Metal expands and contracts as air heats and cools. Any hidden damages to the vehicle frame may change as the metal moves, resulting in misalignment at key regions. Furthermore, suspension and alignment components face added stress from potholes. Hitting a pothole can be jarring for components already stressed from a previous impact.

Post-collision repairs may be done well, but a vehicle will still have weaknesses that can show up as driving conditions change.

Step 1: Check Alignment and Steering Performance

A vehicle with alignment problems is at risk of performing poorly later on. Take note of how it drives. Do you notice any pulling, drifting, or instability? If so, the alignment needs to be checked. These issues may occur after striking a pothole, since the jarring impact can cause misalignments to shift further. Other signs of an alignment or steering problem include:

• Off-center steering wheel.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Steering vibration.

These problems can affect tire lifespan and emergency control.

Step 2: Inspect Suspension Components

Suspension components can shift after an accident, and it’s possible that these micro-damages go unnoticed during repairs. As your vehicle absorbs road shock, however, the parts that were damaged grow weaker. You may hear clunking over bumps, have a bouncier ride, notice an uneven ride height, or feel excessive vehicle sway. This point to issues with control arms, struts, and other suspension parts.

Step 3: Evaluate Tire Condition and Tread

Spring rain increases the risk of hydroplaning, and when your vehicle has prior damage and a need for increased stopping distances, that risk is greater. So it’s important to check your tires. Any uneven wear signals possible suspension or alignment problems.

Step 4: Confirm ADAS Calibration and Warning Lights

Most modern vehicles have lane assist, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring these days. These sensors and cameras belong to the ADAS, which relies on a vehicle’s structural alignment to properly function. Without appropriate alignment, ADAS cameras and sensors may misfire. This comes in the form of lane assist drifting, sensors not activating, and unexpected alerts.

Also, if you see warning lights about the ADAS, you may need to bring your vehicle to a collision repair center like Elmer’s Auto Body for re-calibration.

Step 5: Checking Brake Performance

Spring brings rain, and that means you need brakes that function correctly. Otherwise, you’re dealing with longer braking distances. Collision damage can, unfortunately, affect brake alignment and weight distribution. When that happens, braking, which should feel smooth and responsive, may grind, vibrate, or pull to one way or another.

Step 6: Schedule a Post-Repair Safety Inspection

Proactive care can help with hidden damage, especially as the winter months turn to spring. Make sure you’re doing routine maintenance checks, such as oil changes and tire rotations. After a collision, this becomes all the more important to help preserve safety and performance. You may also want to consider a spring inspection to confirm that repairs are holding up.

Taking your car to a collision repair center in South Jersey ensures that experienced technicians can spot any issues. Facilities like Elmer’s Auto Body use equipment direct from the manufacturer for precision alignment checks and measurements. Diagnostic scans and road testing also bring peace of mind.

Why Spring Is a Smart Time for a Follow-Up Inspection

Spring is the time to confirm that post-collision repairs are holding up like they should. When spring comes, the temperature isn’t too intense. It’s just right for finding masked symptoms. As the temperature rises, metal parts, bushings, and suspension pieces expand and move more naturally. During this period, technicians can more easily detect alignment shifts, steering looseness, and vibration. Follow-up inspections in spring also confirm that measurements, mounting points, and calibrations are accurate and remain within manufacturer standards.

As a driver, you’re protecting yourself, your passengers, and your investment.

Safe Spring Driving Starts with Verified Repairs From Elmer’s Auto Body

Winter collisions can sometimes leave damages even post-collision repair. That’s why safe spring driving begins with maintenance and inspection. You’re doing more than protecting your safety. You’re keeping your vehicle functional. As you take to the South Jersey roadways this spring, remember: If something feels different, it likely is.

Get your springtime peace of mind from Elmer’s Auto Body, a top-rated collision repair center with three convenient locations in South Jersey. We’ve been repairing vehicles since 1947 and have always been customer-focused. Quality comes first with us.

In South Jersey, driving conditions are closely linked to the roadways. Most drivers have experienced what happens to NJ roadways: potholes. Caused by winter’s freeze-thaw cycles and general wear and tear, potholes are one of the biggest dangers to a vehicle, and they are everywhere. Drivers often hit potholes in late winter and early spring. Vehicles with previous damage from accidents may have weakened suspension or steering components that resurface when you hit a pothole.

Pothole season is a “stress test” for any prior repairs after a collision. Here’s what you need to know.

What Happens to a Vehicle When It Hits a Pothole?

Imagine that you’re driving along through South Jersey, maybe on Route 55 or the Black Horse Pike, and you hit a pothole. A large pothole. The tire suddenly drops into the hole. Your vehicle adjusts for this by compression the suspension system to help transfer the force of the impact. Energy transfers through control arms, struts, steering components, and subframe mounting points. All of these can already be damaged after a collision.

A vehicle that has been properly repaired will absorb the shock of a pothole impact correctly. One that has remaining post-collision damage? It can’t absorb an impact.

Types of Hidden Post-Collision Damage That Potholes Expose

Not every collision is going to create damage that gets exposed when you run over a pothole. Let’s take a look at some issues that tend to worsen with repeated pothole impacts.

1. Slightly Bent Suspension Components

After a collision, suspension components can be slightly distorted but also functional. A minute distortion can also be missed during collision repair. Over time, pothole impact worsens the suspension problem. That means that what may have felt fine months ago when you left the collision repair center feels unstable now.

2. Weakened Suspension Mounting Points

Collision shifts parts and components within your vehicle. Even a small fender bender can shift where suspension attaches to the frame. These “mounting points” need to be precisely aligned. Otherwise, other problems start to occur. So when you hit a pothole with unsecure mounting areas, movement happens, and that movement leads to pulling or uneven ride height.

3. Compensated Alignment

Sometimes alignment is merely adjusted to make a car drive straight, but there are micro-shifts that may go unaddressed. In other words, if the structural geometry of the vehicle doesn’t get restored during repairs, the alignment is compensating, not correct. A single strike from a pothole can shift the alignment and put everything out of whack.

4. Pre-Stressed Steering Components

Steering components may sustain damage but still operate after a crash. Those weakened parts can be pushed beyond the breaking point when you hit a pothole. The result is a steering wheel that feels loose or delayed when driving—which can be a huge safety problem.

5. ADAS Sensor Misalignment Becoming Noticeable

Modern vehicles are safer than ever, all thanks to something called Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS. Lane departure warnings, rear view cameras, and the like are powered by sensors and cameras that need precise positioning and calibration to function. The downside to these systems is that they are also reliant on the accurate alignment of the suspension system.

If your vehicle’s suspension is misaligned from an accident, your ADAS sensors are also at risk. Repeated pothole impacts can throw off ADAS calibration and notice lane assist drifting, warning lights for no reason, and false collision alerts.

Warning Signs That Potholes Have Exposed Hidden Damage

How do you know if potholes are exposing damages? There are several warning signs that you will visually or physically notice, including:

• Car suddenly pulls after hitting a pothole.
• Steering wheel is no longer centered when driving.
• Vibration when traveling at high speeds on the highway.
• Clunking sounds that weren’t there before.
• Uneven tire wear appearing quickly.
• Vehicle feels “loose” or less stable.
• Dashboard ADAS warning lights.

If the issue begins after hitting a pothole, there is a high chance that the pothole has revealed unaddressed damage. It’s important to get the issue resolved quickly before it worsens further.

Why Previously Repaired Vehicles Are More Vulnerable

Now, here’s one thing vehicle owners need to know: Damage may be repaired, but your vehicle remembers. Unless everything is brand new, damage leaves a mark. Metal that was bent during an accident is structurally changed. Sure, your vehicle may look good as new, yet it won’t resist damage as well as it did the first time. Repaired regions respond differently to stress. Furthermore, if the repairs weren’t fully measured or verified, various points may be slightly off and more susceptible to damage from potholes.

The Long-Term Risks of Ignoring Signs of Post-Collision Damage

Driving around with hidden damage is dangerous. Letting the damage when it become noticeable get worse? That can put you and your passengers at risk. The four main long-term risks include:

• Accelerated tire wear: Misalignment can cause tires to shred quickly.
• Reduced emergency control: Steering instability increases stopping distance.
• Compounding suspension damage: One weakened part will increase stress to others.
• Increased repair costs later: As time passes, what may have been minor can transform into a major replacement down the road.

Potholes Don’t Always Create Damage—They Reveal It

Pothole season is coming for South Jersey drivers. Is your vehicle ready for impact? Remember, if you hit a pothole and something feels different, it most likely is. Make sure that your car has been properly inspected after collision repairs to avoid hidden damages from the start. Potholes can cause a lot of issues, but they don’t need to escalate them.

If you want peace of mind during pothole time, choose family-owned and operated Elmer’s Auto Body. We’re an independent auto body repair shop with three South Jersey locations. Since 1947, we’ve been committed to you, which is why we choose only OEM parts for repairs.