Auto Repairs in Koreatown - Los Angeles, CA

An inspection of the vehicle is needed first, so that we can determine how much damage there is both internally and externally, and what our options are for handling all the needed repairs. Exterior damage includes visible scratches, dents, and cracks in the body panels, doors, bumpers, fenders, or glass. This is usually pretty easy to see and assess since the exterior damage is viewable from first glance. Structural damage may be a little bit harder to determine, such as frame or unibody damage. Extra emphasis is put on this as it affects the alignment and overall safety of the vehicle and could be easy for a novice to miss. Mechanical issues are similar and need to be further tested to completely diagnose any such damage to the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes and wheels. Again extra emphasis is put on this to ensure the safety of the vehicle since sometimes this is not easily seen from first glance. Electrical system checks are typically the last step of the inspection and assessment, which includes the wiring, sensors, lights, and airbag system. Once the full inspection is complete, we will have a good estimate of the cost and give you the options. With our experience, we can typically provide our expertise and comprehensive service to repair your car, but other times it is possible it may be a total loss where the repairs may not make sense due to extreme damage to the vehicle. 

While the initial inspection and assessment can typically provide a very accurate estimate, there are a few other parts that need to be checked even closer to determine the full extent of the damage. The initial inspection will provide enough information to determine if repairs should be made, so once that is confirmed, the vehicle can be disassembled in parts to complete the inspection. Bumpers, panels, trim, and any other damaged parts will be removed and taken off, or cut away if there is extensive damage. Airbags will be replaced and sensors reset, ensuring safety and proper utilization for future potential accidents. Other interior checks will be made, such as airbags, seatbelts, dashboard, and other components that are more intricately examined and replaced as necessary. 

If the overall frame or unibody is damaged, it will need to be repaired to return it back to its factory specifications. This is needed to be able to align the vehicle before being able to drive it again. In the case of severe accidents, we can utilize specialized equipment that we have such as a frame straightener or unibody repair system. These tools allow us to put a very damaged frame back into its correct shape. That equipment then allows the vehicle’s structural integrity to be restored. Other auto services in Los Angeles we provide include welding and reinforcement, in situations when the frame is bent or cracked. This way we can combine new metal components to reinforce the frame to be usable again. Once the frame is completely restored, the alignment is next to ensure proper adjustment of the vehicle’s wheels, frame, and suspections. Tests are run to ensure even tire wear and the straight tracking of the vehicle. 

Now that we finished all the structural repairs, we then turn our focus to the cosmetic repairs that are the visible ones that you may notice first. If any panels are severely damaged, they may need complete replacement. This includes fenders, bumpers, doors, and hoods. Or a combination may be done, utilizing some of our equipment to weld or reinforce. While some parts may be completely replaced, others just need slight alignment to fix. Other damage may be fixed through other means without needing to be replaced, such as small scratches and dents. We offer sanding, repainting, body filler, and paintless dent repair. Another complex technique that we offer to allow us to repair small dents without needing to repaint the panel. 

Mechanical and Electrical Repair

This is not always needed, it just depends on the severity of the car accident in Koreatown. But obviously if this is needed, then it is of vital importance for the vehicle to work properly and your safety to be ensured when utilizing the vehicle again. This type of work involves the suspension, transmission, and engine. The suspension is important for the car’s safety and handling, so if there is any damage to the control arms, shocks, or struts, the parts will be repaired or replaced. Checks or leaks or misalignments will be done and fixed if possible. If the damage is too severe though, the transmission or engine may need to be completely replaced. Or electrical components will be checked as well, including thoroughly inspecting the braking system such as the master cylinders, brake lines, brake pads, and rotors. Also the airbag system, windows, lighting, and other electrical components will be repaired, replaced and reprogrammed.

Once all the repairs to the body of the vehicle is done, painting can be started. While this is probably the least important in terms of utilization of the vehicle itself, it is usually the most time consuming to get the vehicle back to its original condition. A lot of specific attention to detail is needed to properly handle the color and finish of the vehicle. All the repaired areas are first sanded down, and then a layer of primer is added to allow for the paint to adhere correctly. Specific tools will be utilized to match the exact paint color so that your car is exactly how you had it before. This way any fixes will perfectly match the rest of the vehicle as well. Multiple coats of paint will be applied, base coats and clear coats, and depending on the car’s finish other additional coats with unique finishes can be applied as well. Once the painting is complete, the car will need some time to dry. We provide controlled temperature and conditions to allow for a perfect drying process for a nice long lasting finish. 

Glass Replacement and Repairs

All windows and glass that are broken or cracked will be replaced at this point in the process. All of the glass is actually more important than you may think, as it helps with structural integrity and the proper deployment of airbags. Additional parts and instruments are used to install and seal the windshield as well as the other windows. Adhesives may also be used to ensure stability of all windows. Side mirrors will also be replaced now, and depending on the technology advancements of the vehicle, any cameras and sensors will be updated or replaced as necessary. 

Reassemble Vehicle

We have now completed all of the part replacement, repairs, and paint. Now is time to reassemble the vehicle, putting back any components that may have been removed for access, such as the doors, mirrors, bumpers, and panels. All of the electrical system will be reconnected and tested, including all wiring, airbags and sensors. Other technology can be checked depending on the vehicle, some advanced features for driver safety such as rear-view cameras, lane assist, and collision sensors. All of that will be recalibrated as well so ensure proper use once the vehicle is fully reassembled. 

Now that the vehicle is fully repaired and reassembled, we just need to go through a final inspection. While this sounds pretty simple, it is very exhaustive to provide the best product to you. Your safety is our top priority, so ensuring that everything about the vehicle is working perfectly is crucial. This includes a comprehensive quality control inspection in Los Angeles. A final inspection of all safety systems is done, which includes brakes, airbags, and seatbelts. Also checking the overall structural integrity of the vehicle. The car is then driven by our technicians, as a full test drive is the best way to make sure the vehicle is handling correctly without any unusual noises and ensuring all system functions are performing properly. Finally any other tweaks or adjustments are made following the final inspection.

Once the vehicle passes the checks and inspections, the car just needs to be cleaned and prepped to leave the shop. Any final detailing is done as needed, as well as any additional paint or touch-ups that may be needed since the last paint and refinishing job. We also then clean the vehicle inside and out, and then your car is ready to go. 

Insurance and Documentation

We put this as the final step since this is processed and completed for you when you come pick up your car, but this has actually been involved since the very beginning. Upon the initial inspection, we will work directly with your insurance company to handle all the repairs in order. We provide you the full documentation of this upon transfer of the vehicle back to your possession. But do not worry at all about insurance, just let us know when you first come in about it, and we will take it from there. We coordinate directly with your insurance company and typically prefer to do the inspection with one of them to ensure complete compliance and joint agreement on all the repairs and costs. Our team has the experience needed to handle and finalize the claim with the insurance company. So all billing is taken care of for you, and we look forward to your reaction when you see your car back to its initial condition. Also all warranties will be included in the documentation you receive, so you have our guarantee of our work and the parts. Warranties vary between cars, parts, and services, so be sure to check the documentation if you have any questions about the length or use of those.