Media post: How Long Does A Collision Repair Take: Here’s The Info

Nobody wants to get into a car accident and face costly and lengthy repairs. But, it’s a fact of life that a car accident will happen and repairs should be done. If you don’t get the car fixed you run into a couple of problems.

A car that’s been in an accident needs to be repaired so it’s safe to drive. Even a fender bender might have hidden problems. Also, an accident affects the resale value of your car. If you plan to sell then you’ll definitely need to have the repairs done. In this article, we will go over the timeline on how long it takes to have a collision repair done on your car.

Extent of damage

The duration of collision repair can vary significantly based on the extent of damage your vehicle has endured. Minor damages such as scratches or small dents typically require less time to repair. These surface issues are often quickly addressed through small, targeted repair techniques like paintless dent removal, which can be completed within hours or a single day, depending on the severity and number of dents.

On the other hand, major damages that affect the vehicle’s frame or involve mechanical components are more complex and time-consuming. Frame damage, for example, not only compromises the structural integrity of your car but also requires sophisticated equipment and skilled technicians to ensure the frame is realigned and returned to factory specifications.

Repair shop workload

The capacity and current workload of a repair shop play a big role in determining how quickly your vehicle can be serviced after a collision. When a shop is operating near or at full capacity, each repair technician has a queue of vehicles awaiting attention, which can significantly delay the start and completion of your car’s repairs. During peak times, such as after widespread weather-related incidents or during local peak accident periods, repair shops might experience an influx of vehicles needing attention, further extending wait times.

During off-peak times, when there are fewer cars in the shop, your vehicle can receive more immediate attention. The reduced workload allows technicians to start and complete repairs more swiftly, reducing the overall time your car spends in the shop. Scheduling repairs during these quieter periods, if possible, can be a strategic decision to minimize the downtime of your vehicle.

Availability of parts

The availability of necessary parts significantly impacts the timeline for collision repair. If the required parts are readily available, repairs can proceed without delay, ensuring a smoother and quicker restoration process. However, challenges arise when parts are not in stock and must be ordered, especially if they are on backorder or require custom fabrication.

Backordered parts can stall the repair process, as the shop must wait for suppliers to restock and ship the needed components. This waiting period can be unpredictable and may extend from a few days to several weeks, depending on the part’s demand and supply chain issues. The situation is further complicated for vehicles that require custom parts, often the case with vintage cars, high-end models, or cars that have been heavily modified.