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Common Auto Body Repair Mistakes to Avoid in Medford, Oregon
When it comes to auto body repair, it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced shop to ensure that your vehicle is repaired correctly and safely. However, even with the best intentions, mistakes can still happen. In Medford, Oregon, there are some common auto body repair mistakes that you should be aware of and avoid to save yourself time, money, and potential safety hazards. In this article, we will discuss these mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.
Not Researching the Repair Shop
One of the biggest mistakes that car owners make is not researching the repair shop before bringing their vehicle in for repairs. It’s important to do your due diligence and find a reputable and experienced shop that has a good track record of customer satisfaction. Look for reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family. You can also check with organizations like the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints against the shop.
Additionally, make sure that the shop has the necessary certifications and licenses to perform auto body repairs. In Medford, Oregon, reputable shops should have certifications from organizations like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).
Not Getting Multiple Estimates
Another common mistake is not getting multiple estimates for the repair work. It’s important to get at least three estimates from different shops to compare prices and services. This will give you a better understanding of the average cost for the repairs and help you avoid overpaying for the services.
When getting estimates, make sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs and what is included in the estimate. This will help you avoid any surprise charges later on. It’s also important to note that the cheapest estimate may not always be the best option. Consider the reputation and experience of the shop as well.
Not Asking About Warranties
Before agreeing to any repairs, make sure to ask about the warranties offered by the shop. A reputable shop should offer a warranty for their work, which will give you peace of mind knowing that you can bring your vehicle back if any issues arise. Make sure to ask about the length of the warranty and what it covers.
It’s also important to note that some warranties may be voided if you don’t follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Make sure to ask about any maintenance requirements to keep the warranty valid.
Not Checking for Hidden Damage
When your vehicle is involved in an accident, there may be hidden damage that is not immediately visible. This is why it’s important to have a thorough inspection of your vehicle before and after the repairs are done. Not checking for hidden damage can lead to further issues down the road and potentially put your safety at risk.
Make sure to ask the repair shop to perform a detailed inspection of your vehicle and provide you with a report of any additional damage that may have been found. This will also help you avoid any surprise charges for additional repairs.
Not Asking for Original Manufacturer Parts
When getting your vehicle repaired, it’s important to ask for original manufacturer parts. These parts are specifically designed for your vehicle and will ensure that it runs smoothly and safely. Some repair shops may use aftermarket parts, which may not be of the same quality as original manufacturer parts.
Make sure to ask the repair shop about the parts they will be using and if they offer a warranty for those parts. If they do use aftermarket parts, ask for the reason why and if there are any potential risks associated with them.
Not Inspecting the Repairs Before Leaving the Shop
Before leaving the shop, make sure to thoroughly inspect the repairs that were done on your vehicle. Look for any imperfections or issues that may have been missed. If you notice any problems, bring them to the attention of the shop immediately. It’s much easier to address any issues while you are still at the shop rather than having to come back later.
Conclusion
Auto body repairs can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to further issues and expenses. By researching the repair shop, getting multiple estimates, asking about warranties, checking for hidden damage, asking for original manufacturer parts, and inspecting the repairs before leaving the shop, you can ensure that your vehicle is repaired correctly and safely. Remember to always do your due diligence and choose a reputable and experienced shop for all your auto body repair needs in Medford, Oregon.