Body shop repairs take time. In the industry it’s called “cycle time,” or how long an auto body repair to be completed. Each repair is unique and there are multiple factors affecting the time in the body shop.
The severity of the damage on your car definitely affects how long it will be in the body shop as well as the nature of the damage. Is the damaged area a glancing blow or a direct hit? Was the impact at a higher or lower speed? Was the collision straight or at an angle?
All of these factors contribute to a unique auto body repair.
Using OEM Parts Can Shorten Body Shop Time
As a rule of thumb, the use of Original Equipment (OEM) parts can contribute to speedier repairs. Below are a couple of reasons –
- An OEM part will fit properly. Body shop technicians can install OEM parts quickly and continue to the next step in the body repair. If parts do not fit right, the auto Body Shop technician is forced to try and make the part fit properly. When doing so, the quality of the repair could be compromised or even the final appearance of the body repair. Another option is trying another part. There is another day or more of delay when another part is ordered.
- Aftermarket parts are usually manufactured to fit nearly as well as the OEM part. But it does not always happen. If you are unlucky and get a “problem” aftermarket replacement part, you are destined for more body shop time in Madison WI.
- Automakers do not recommend the use of salvage parts. However, occasionally salvage parts are specified for the body repair. When this occurs, salvage parts may require reconditioning. This can include cleaning, removal of small dents and having the paint completely sanded prior to installation on the car being repaired. Using a salvage part almost always extends the time needed for a body repair.
- The use of multiple parts suppliers may slow the repair process.
Auto Body Shop Options In Madison WI
Many times, the body shop is authorized to write an estimate for the body repair. These estimates are accepted by the insurers. This step can often reduce body shop time. Other times, the insurer requires its own adjuster to look at the damage. This will usually add a day to the process.
Whatever the situation turns out to be, ask the body shop how long repairs will take. Everyone involved wants you back on the road as soon as possible – you, the auto body shop and the insurer.
If you are looking for the most cost effective body repair in Madison WI, Auto Color routinely identifies multiple repair options.
Visit either of our two locations in the Madison WI area – on Parmenter Road in Middleton or our Stoughton Road location at the southwest corner of Stoughton Rd. and Buckeye Rd.
These strategically selected locations help us provide the most cost effective service in the Madison area including Verona, Waunakee, Fitchburg, Sauk City, McFarland, Middleton, Monona, Cottage Grove, Sun Prairie and Deforest and all of Dane County.
Call Auto Color in Middleton at 608-831-9554 or Auto Color in East Madison at 608-221-5041 or email us for great options concerning your next body shop visit in Madison WI.