Having a dependable auto body repair shop is invaluable in the event that you’re involved in a car crash or your car sustains another type of damage. These situations can be stressful, and a good collision repair shop will help you deal with insurance, limit unnecessary hassle, and get your car fixed up to ensure safety on the roads. Most people are concerned not only about the cost of repairs, but also how long they’ll take.
So how long do auto body repairs take? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is rarely simple. The time it takes to repair a damaged vehicle depends on the type of damage, whether standard or specialty parts need to be ordered, and other factors. Recent supply-chain, staffing, and other post-pandemic issues are also impacting the time it takes to order parts and complete repair work.
Keep reading to learn when to take your damaged vehicle in and get an idea of what to expect when you need repairs.
When To Take Your Car in for Damage Repair
Generally speaking, if the damage impacts how your car drives or your ability to control it on the roads, you should take it in right away. Examples of this type of damage can include flat tires, shattered or cracked windshields that block your vision, or dents that get in the way of opening doors. On the other hand, aesthetic damage like chipped paint or smaller dents can usually wait until a convenient time.
If your vehicle has sustained damage during an accident, Mackin’s can help you restore the look and functionality of your car. We are Portland and SW Washington’s most trusted collision repair shop. Even during these difficult economic times, we’re dedicated to getting your car back to you fully restored and as quickly as we can, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
Most Common Auto Repairs and Timelines
Disclaimer on Repair Timelines: What to Expect
At Mackin’s, we always do whatever we can to get your car back to you as quickly as possible. It’s important to remember that repair timelines always depend on the specific details of the accident and the damage. Factors like the make and model of your car and the need to order specialty parts can also impact how long the repair process takes.
With about 25% of all parts on backorder and a shortage of labor and raw materials due to post-pandemic economic conditions, repairs are taking longer than they normally would.
Mackin’s is committed to repairing your vehicle as quickly as possible, and we appreciate our customers’ patience during this unique time. If your car requires extensive repairs or backordered parts, we recommend you have a backup plan in case you need to be without your car for a prolonged period of time. We’re committed to transparency and we’ll always communicate with you while we have your vehicle.
Dents
While dents are often caused by accidents while driving or by extreme weather like hail, many dents occur seemingly out of nowhere. In addition to practicing diligence on the road, you can help avoid dents by keeping your car in a covered garage and parking away from other vehicles when possible. This helps to avoid dings and small collisions when you’re away from your car.
Damaged Bumpers
Bumper damage most often occurs due to fender benders or collisions with stationary objects. Of course, like with most collisions, you can do your best to avoid bumper damage by staying vigilant while driving, keeping an eye on other vehicles, and driving as little as possible during extreme weather or at night.
Paint Scratches
Paint scratches, unlike many other types of collision damage, are usually just a cosmetic issue. However, if the scratch is significant, it can leave the body of your vehicle vulnerable to rust and weather-related problems. Like with any collision damage, it’s a good idea to have it looked at and fixed to insure that your car hasn’t suffered additional harm in the process.
Cracked Windshields
Broken windshields are extremely common and even small cracks can be deceivingly harmful. Even tiny, barely-there marks in the glass will eventually spread if left untreated and can quickly spread to the point where your line of sight is impacted and your windshield needs to be replaced entirely. Some of the most common causes of a cracked windshield include flying debris and extreme weather conditions such as hail.
Total Collision Damage
When it comes to major collisions that result in extensive damage to your vehicle, it’s no surprise that the car accident repair process will be more complex and require a longer time frame.
Mackins Can Help!
If you have recently been involved in a car accident or your car has sustained another type of damage, such as hail damage or chipped or faded paint, Mackin’s is here to help! We can restore your vehicle to its original glory and get you back on the roads while limiting the hassle, stress, and inconvenience that usually come with accidents and the repair process.
With over 75 years in business, Mackin’s is Portland and SW Washington’s most trusted auto body repair shop, serving our community with the highest level of quality and service in the PNW. Remember, current repair times may be up to 3-4 times longer than they were prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent supply-chain crisis. Keep this in mind when you bring your car in, and rest assured we’re doing everything we can to get you back on the road quickly and safely.
Contact us online or by phone at 1.800.653.0665 or bring your car to one of our 9 locations today! Have questions? Read up on some of our most frequently asked questions here!