Restore your car to its former glory after a crash

So your car has just been in a collision and in need of repair. Accidents are stressful enough without the added worry of how you are going to get your vehicle fixed.

The first thing you should do after a crash is get two estimates for the damage from reputable repair shops to give to your insurance company.

For any sort of bodywork or collision damage, it is best to take your car to a dealership service centre — they have factory-trained technicians, manufacturer-approved equipment and full service capabilities.

Problems

Over the last 10 years, vehicle designs and operating systems have become very high-tech and they continue to advance.

Dealership technicians are frequently trained and updated on the latest technology from the manufacturer so they can quickly diagnose and correct problems.

They have expertise in repairing the types of cars they sell so they know what each and every part is for, including in-depth knowledge about the advanced computer systems.

They use detailed vehicle data sheets to ensure that every part of the vehicle measures up to the original manufacturer specifications. Technicians will also have direct access to the manufacturer for trouble-shooting any issues.

A dealership also works with manufacturer recommended equipment, which is extremely important in ensuring the vehicle is repaired correctly.

There is a commonly held assumption that once a car is in a collision it never works right again.

This is a myth — with today’s technology vehicles can be restored to their original condition.

For instance, if a car should suffer frame damage in a collision, at Bermuda Motors we have a special frame-straightening machine. It can be calibrated to exactly match your specifications, ensuring the car will not have alignment issues after repair, which can ultimately cause tyre wear and pulling to one side when you drive.

We also use a state-of-the-art paint-matching system and a painting booth to make sure our customers’ cars remain an even colour, even after a crash.

The most important thing about using manufacturer-approved equipment for repair is that the technician can mend the vehicle body to replicate the original crumple zones.

These zones are imperative for safety as they reduce the initial force of the crash and redistribute the force before it reaches the vehicle occupants.

Warranty

Another benefit to using a dealership is access to a full-service repair package so you can get everything done at one time and in one place, including mechanical repairs and bodywork.

Also, dealers often offer a warranty on their work.

The advanced technology of today’s vehicles is designed to keep you safe, so choosing a dealership for bodywork and collision repairs is the best way to ensure the safety features stay intact and your vehicle continues to protect you in a crash.

Alan Trott is service advisor to Darwin Symonds, paint and body shop manager at Bermuda Motors. Call 292-0893 or visit  www.bermudamotors.bm.