When you're involved in an auto accident, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. From dealing with insurance companies to worrying about the condition of your vehicle, the entire experience can be stressful. At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we understand this, which is why our mission is to take those lemons and turn them into lemonade for our customers. We’re here to walk you through every step of the auto body repair process, ensuring that you not only regain the use of your vehicle but also receive it back in pristine condition. Here’s a detailed look at what happens from the moment you bring your damaged vehicle to us until you drive away with it fully restored.
1. First Impressions Matter: Initial Estimation and Production
When you first arrive at CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, you're greeted by one of our friendly and knowledgeable repair estimators. This first step is crucial, as it sets the tone for your entire experience. We understand that dealing with the aftermath of an accident is stressful, and our goal is to make this process as seamless as possible for you. Our repair estimators are not just here to assess the damage; they’re here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide reassurance that your vehicle is in good hands.
The estimation process involves a thorough inspection of your vehicle. Our estimators will carefully examine the visible damage and provide you with an estimate of the cost and time required to complete the repairs. This initial estimate is essential for both you and your insurance company, as it lays the groundwork for the repair process.
Once the estimate is completed and you’ve given us the green light to proceed, your vehicle is moved into production. This is where the real magic begins. Your vehicle is carefully disassembled to allow our technicians to inspect it for any hidden damage that may not have been visible during the initial estimation. It’s common for vehicles to have internal damage that can only be detected once the outer panels are removed. By thoroughly disassembling the vehicle, we ensure that no issue goes unnoticed, and every necessary repair is addressed.
2. In-Depth Inspection and Insurance Coordination
After the vehicle has been disassembled and inspected, we may find additional damage that wasn’t apparent during the initial estimate. This is where we update our estimate and work closely with your insurance company to ensure that all necessary repairs are covered. Our team understands the intricacies of dealing with insurance companies, and we handle this process on your behalf, ensuring that you don’t have to navigate the often complicated world of auto insurance alone.
Communication is key at this stage. We keep you informed every step of the way, letting you know what additional damage was found, how it affects the repair process, and what the revised timeline looks like. Our goal is to ensure that there are no surprises for you, and that you’re fully aware of what’s happening with your vehicle at all times.
3. Body Shop Precision: Metal Finishing and Panel Repair
Once the estimate is updated and approved, your vehicle moves into the body shop. This is where we prepare the vehicle for the detailed repair work that will restore it to its pre-accident condition. The first step in the body shop involves grinding down the damaged panel to remove any imperfections and prepare it for straightening. Our skilled technicians then use a technique called metal finishing to carefully reshape the panel, ensuring that it matches the original contours of your vehicle.
To achieve this level of precision, we use a process called pin welding. This involves welding small pins onto the sheet metal and using them to pull the metal back into its original shape. It’s a meticulous process that requires a great deal of skill and attention to detail, but it’s essential for ensuring that the repaired panel looks as good as new.
Once the panel has been reshaped, we apply a thin coat of Bondo, a type of body filler, to smooth out any remaining imperfections. The Bondo is then carefully sanded down using 180-grit sandpaper, creating a perfectly smooth surface that’s ready for painting.
4. The Paint Shop: Where Your Vehicle’s Finish Shines Again
After the body work is complete, your vehicle moves into the paint shop. At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we like to think of the paint shop as our very own surgery room. Just as a surgeon requires a sterile, controlled environment to perform delicate operations, our paint shop is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment designed to produce flawless results.
The first step in the paint shop is to apply a layer of primer to the repaired areas. This primer acts as a base coat, providing a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. In the past, curing the primer could take up to 6-8 hours, but thanks to our advanced equipment, we can complete this process in just 10-15 minutes. This not only speeds up the repair process but also ensures that the primer cures evenly, preventing any dive back or shrinkage.
Once the primer is cured, we take great care to protect the rest of the vehicle’s finish. We bag the car to shield it from overspray and other contaminants, then proceed with the painting process. This involves feather edging the edges of the repaired areas, applying additional primer as needed, and carefully sanding everything down with 600-grit sandpaper to create a flawless surface.
5. Environmentally Friendly Painting: A Green Certified Process
At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we’re proud to use environmentally friendly waterborne paint. This advanced paint system not only provides a beautiful, long-lasting finish but also helps reduce our environmental impact. Our commitment to sustainability has earned us green certification, and we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our processes and minimize our carbon footprint.
In the paint booth, we apply multiple layers of waterborne paint, followed by a clear coat that gives your vehicle its glossy finish. The final step in the painting process involves baking the vehicle at a temperature of 170-200 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat ensures that the paint cures properly, providing a finish that’s as durable as it is beautiful.
6. Final Steps: Assembly, Detailing, and Customer Pickup
With the painting process complete, your vehicle is ready for reassembly. Our technicians carefully reinstall all of the components that were removed during the disassembly process, ensuring that everything is aligned correctly and functions as it should. Once the vehicle is fully reassembled, it moves to the detail rack, where it receives a thorough cleaning inside and out.
At this stage, we meticulously inspect the vehicle to ensure that every aspect of the repair meets our high standards. We check the fit and finish of the panels, the quality of the paint, and the overall appearance of the vehicle. Our goal is to return your car to you in better condition than it was before the accident.
Finally, we’ll give you a call to let you know that your vehicle is ready for pickup. When you arrive, we’ll walk you through the repairs that were made, answer any final questions you may have, and ensure that you’re completely satisfied with the work we’ve done.
Conclusion: Same-Day Service with State-of-the-Art Equipment
At CARSTAR Robert’s Collision, we’re proud to offer a repair process that’s as efficient as it is thorough. Thanks to our state-of-the-art equipment and skilled technicians, we’re often able to complete repairs within the same day, allowing you to get back on the road as quickly as possible. From the moment you walk through our doors to the moment you drive away in your fully restored vehicle, we’re committed to providing you with exceptional service and peace of mind.
If you’ve been in an accident and need auto body repair, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with CARSTAR Robert’s Collision. Call us today at 831-373-1535, and let us turn your lemons into lemonade.