After a collision repair, it's natural to feel eager to get back behind the wheel. You’ve waited for updates, trusted the technicians, and now your car is ready. But before you drive off, it’s important to make sure everything was done properly. Even when a shop does great work, it's worth taking a few moments to verify that your vehicle looks, feels, and functions the way it should.
Here are six important things to check before leaving the body shop.
1. Inspect the Paint and Body Panels Closely
Step back and take a good look at your vehicle in natural light, if possible. Compare the repaired areas with the rest of the car. Does the paint match the surrounding panels? Are there any visible differences in gloss, texture, or shade?
Run your hand gently along the repaired surfaces. The finish should feel smooth and even. If you see rough spots, dust particles trapped under the clear coat, or mismatched color, ask the shop to address it before you leave.
2. Open and Close All Doors, Hood, and Trunk
After bodywork, particularly on corners or edges of the car, the alignment of doors, trunk lids, or the hood may be slightly off. Try opening and closing each one a few times. There should be no resistance, rattling, or uneven gaps.
Make sure the latches catch properly and that the seals look snug. If anything feels stiff, loose, or misaligned, the shop may need to make a few adjustments.
3. Check the Headlights, Taillights, and Signals
Lighting components are often damaged in front or rear collisions. Make sure the headlamps, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights all function correctly. Flick them on and off and walk around the vehicle to double-check.
Look for moisture inside the light housings, which could mean the seals weren't installed properly. This is a common issue after light replacement, and it’s best to catch it early before it leads to electrical problems or corrosion.
4. Review the Paperwork and Ask About Warranty
Before you sign anything, go over the repair invoice. Make sure it clearly lists what was repaired or replaced, including parts, paintwork, and labor. If the shop used OEM parts or aftermarket ones, it should be specified on the report.
Ask if there’s a warranty on the repair work. A reputable shop should stand behind its labor and materials for at least a year, if not longer. Knowing what’s covered gives you peace of mind moving forward.
5. Test Drive the Vehicle (Even Just a Short One)
If your car had structural repairs, alignment work, or any suspension-related fixes, ask to take it for a short test drive before finalizing the pickup. Listen for unusual noises like rattles, squeaks, or clunks. Pay attention to how the car handles, especially when braking or turning.
If the steering pulls to one side or the ride feels off, let the shop know immediately. Many of these symptoms can be corrected quickly if caught right away.
6. Make Sure the Interior Was Protected
During body repairs and paintwork, technicians may need to move or cover parts of the interior. Before you leave, check the seats, dash, and carpets for stains, scratches, or grease marks.
Make sure your personal items, if you left any behind, are still there and undamaged. A clean handoff shows that the shop took care during the repair process and respected your vehicle.
Your Peace of Mind Matters
Collision repair isn’t just about fixing dents and scratches. It’s about restoring your vehicle to its original safety and performance standards. Taking the time to review the work thoroughly before driving away is one of the best ways to protect your investment and your safety.
At Orlando City Auto Body in Orlando, FL, we take pride in delivering high-quality repairs and making sure every detail is addressed. If anything seems off or needs a second look, we’ll take care of it. Your confidence in the repair is just as important as the work itself.
Schedule your next visit with us and experience the care and craftsmanship that sets our team apart.
