Auto Body Repairs are More than the Body

Throughout the years more than just the appearance of the vehicles we drive has changed.  The vehicles sure look different, but they function completely different as well.  Any vehicle made in the last few decades has incorporated technology and computer work into it; even more so in those rolling off the lines today.

Knowing the essential function of technology is important, but only the best auto body shops are keenly aware of how to test and recalibrate that technology so that you’re left with a vehicle that not only looks good, but is as safe as when it was new.

 

Where We find Technology in Vehicles

In the early to mid parts of the 20^th century, there wasn’t a whole lot of computerized technology in vehicles; most had none.  These strictly mechanical contraptions were relatively simple and straightforward.  Today, that has all changed.

Of course we all know about some of the visible technology.  The backup cameras, GPS devices, lane departure alerts, sensors, and the likes.  But there are many more electronic safety systems that are never seen.

The speedometer doesn’t have a rotating sensor on the wheels; it’s a digital signal sent to the dashboard.  The airbags don’t deploy by mechanical force, it’s a pressure sensor that detects the collision.  The wheel balance, seatbelt indicators, turning on the headlights, blinkers, and other lights; all of them rely on a computer relay.

This intricate network of sensors, signals, and relays means that collision repair isn’t as simple as swapping out a quarter panel, or popping the dings out of doors.  Modern vehicle collision repair means ensuring all electronic components are functioning at their ideal levels.

Pre-Repair and Post-Repair Scans

Whenever a vehicle comes into Big Sky Crash Repair Center it is scanned.  The computer scan will tell us exactly which components are working, and which are not.  Based on the damage we can generally predict what needs to be recalibrated, what is damaged, and what needs to be replaced.

After the repair, many auto body shops will roll the vehicle out.  They fixed the items that showed up on the scan, so it’s all repaired right?  Not exactly.

Many vehicle repairs require removing parts that weren’t damaged in order to access the parts that need repaired or replace.  An item that was moved, when connected to a sensor or other electronic component, needs to now be recalibrated.  For instance, Toyota has very particular specs on their seat sensors.  If the seat was removed and then replaced, it must have a complete recalibration to once again adhere to Toyota’s standards.

Because the repair process can end up disturbing electronic components, we have taken the time and spent the money to do two scans: one before the repairs, and one after.  This is the only way to ensure that all electronics are working the right way.

Finding an Auto Body Repair Shop that Does it Right

There are a lot of great auto body shops in Livingston.  Unfortunately, there are also some that cut corners.  We control what we can control, and that means we make sure to do repairs the right way.  With more factory certifications than any other shop in a 5 state region, when you bring your vehicle to Big Sky Crash Repair Center, you know you’re getting the best work on your vehicle possible.