, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Collision Repair Process

What’s the secret behind a high-end collision shop? “The Collision Repair Process” video details the 12 steps to returning your vehicle to you in showroom condition. The secret? It’s the highly-skilled, talented and professional people taking care of your vehicle at each step along the way.

Watch as the Today’s Collision team displays their expertise and dedication from the moment you are in a car accident until the moment you drive off the lot. Today’s Collision Repair Centers has been repairing vehicles for over 35 years, and we’ve learned that helping YOU understand the steps we take to repair your vehicle, helps US communicate with you along the way. Today’s Collision Owner, Bobby Cobb, walks you through the steps, providing an explanation of how your car travels through the shop on its way back to you!

Key Moments:

00:26 Getting an Estimate for Car Repairs (STEP 1)

02:08 Pre-Scanning & ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) (STEP 2)

02:46 Disassembly & Blueprinting to OEM Specifications (STEP 3)

03:43 Writing a Supplemental Insurance Estimate (STEP 4)

04:43 Auto Parts Verification & Matching (STEP 5)

05:23 Repairing the Vehicle Structure & Aluminum Repairs (STEP 6)

06:11 Auto Body Repair (STEP 7)

06:47 Preparing the Vehicle for Paint including Prime & Jamb (STEP 8)

07:41 Formulating an Exact Factory Paint Match Color & Painting the Vehicle (STEP 9)

08:36 Reassembling the Vehicle & Replacing Final Moldings & Detail Pieces (STEP 10)

09:04 ADAS Calibrations & Testing (STEP 11)

09:44 Performing a Quality Control Inspection & Detailing (STEP 12)

Step 1: THE INITIAL ESTIMATE After an accident, the first step to repairing your vehicle is to obtain an initial estimate of the damage.

Step 2: PRE-SCAN & PRE ALIGNMENT Once your vehicle arrives at our facility, we will run a series of pre-repair diagnostics, which includes a complete ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) scan. ADAS is responsible for many of the safety and warning features in your vehicle.

Step 3: DISASSEMBLY Our team has been trained by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) on the proper way to disassemble your vehicle and complete a “BLUEPRINTING”.

Step 4: SUPPLEMENTAL ESTIMATE If, during the disassembly stage, additional damage is found, our estimators will rewrite the repair requirements needed to repair your vehicle back to pre-accident condition, and produce a “Supplemental Estimate.”

Step 5: PARTS ORDERING & VERIFICATION Any previously, pre-ordered parts that are currently on-site for your vehicle’s repairs are verified and the secondary order for additional parts discovered during the disassembly process is placed.

Step 6: STRUCTURE REPAIR Our technicians utilize a computer-based measurement system or an approved OEM JIG system to ensure the structure of the vehicle is restored to factory specifications.

Step 7: BODY REPAIR The Body Repair Department replaces all bolted, damaged exterior panels, and all metal finishing that may be required. This includes repairing all dents and scratches. Sheet metal is installed and aligned.

Step 8: PAINT PREP New parts are “raw” and need to be prime-sealed, and jamb-colored. Any other panels that we repaired will be primed and sealed.

Step 9: PAINT Our expert paint technicians determine the proper color formula and codes, which are entered into the computerized mixing scale.

Step 10: REASSEMBLY Our technicians will reassemble your vehicle and all final moldings and detail pieces will be replaced. All of the vehicle’s systems are checked for proper operation during this process.

Step 11: CALIBRATION & TESTING We utilize the most advanced technology in the industry to calibrate and test your vehicle to ensure both structural and operational integrity. A post-repair diagnostic ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) scan will help us clear any indicative codes remaining.

Step 12: QUALITY CONTROL & DETAILING Our Quality Control review occurs at this stage, which includes a final inspection by our technicians to ensure that the vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition. Returning your vehicle to you is our favorite part of the day, because we know that every member of our team, at each step along the way from the initial estimate, through disassembly, and paint to the final testing, is dedicated to ensuring that you are 100% satisfied with your repairs.

, , , , , ,

Tesla Sensor Damage

It’s a SENSORitive subject! This Tesla experienced sensor damage due to a New England deer hit. Watch as Today’s Collision’s Bobby Cobb gives a repair shop’s view of the sensor issues.

Underneath the outer layer of your Tesla is an intricate system of sensors and cameras; a critical part of the driver-assist features, including:

  • Autopilot
  • Autopark
  • Collision Warning
  • Smart Summon
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Auto Lane Change
  • Blind Spot Monitoring

Utilizing a Tesla Approved Collision Center, like Today’s Collision, ensures your sensors and cameras are repaired and calibrated according to proper Tesla procedures. 

Learn more: https://todayscollision.com/tesla

, , , , ,

Tesla Rear Ended Hidden Damage

 

Now you see it. AND Now you don’t! So true for just about every Tesa that has a rear-ended hit like this Model 3. There is obvious visible damage to the outside of your Tesla, but once our Tesla-trained technicians disassemble the vehicle, the hidden damage you DON’T see is uncovered.

Watch as Today’s Collision’s Bobby Cobb reveals the hidden damage to this rear ended Tesla Model 3 and explains the importance of bringing your vehicle to a Tesla Approved Collision Center.

Learn more: https://todayscollision.com/tesla

, , , , , ,

Tesla Model Y Water Test

This just doesn’t hold water. (And we’re proud of it!) Protect your Tesla from electrical issues and mold! Watch how the Today’s Collision team tests this Tesla Model Y, after repairing glass and replacing structural panels in the rear.

Read more
, , , , , ,

Tesla Approved Collision Center – Quick Look

Our Tesla-trained technicians bring your Tesla back to life! Today’s Collision is a Tesla Approved Collision Center.  Our technicians have been trained by Tesla to repair your vehicle to factory specifications.

Read more
, , , ,

Tesla Model Y Auto Body Repairs

Check out Today’s Collision’s repairs on a Tesla Model Y as featured on the Tesla Times News segment of Now You Know YouTube Channel.

Read more
, , , , , , ,

May 11 – May 16 Updated Hours – COVID-19 Update 5/10/20

Hours for the week of

May 11th – May 16th

Malden:  M-F  8 – 5, SAT 9 – 12

Chelsea: M-F  8 – 5, SAT 8 – 11

Stoneham: M-F  7:30 – 5:30, SAT 8 – 1

Take advantage of our contact-free services:

        • Free pick- up and delivery
        • Mobile Estimates – Click here
        • Electronic Forms / Paperwork
        • Complimentary Detail with Repairs
        • How to reach us: To contact a team member, call each location at the following:

Malden:  CALL: (781) 321-6080

Chelsea:  CALL: (617) 887-0080

Stoneham:  CALL: (781) 279-2220

For a detailed list of our additional precautions during this unprecedented time, please visit https://todayscollision.com/news/

, , , , , ,

April 20 – 24th Updated Hours – COVID-19 Update 4/17/20 5:00pm

Dear Valued Today’s Collision Customers:

Due to the current demand at our shops, our hours for the upcoming week will be as follows:

April 20th – April 24th

 

Malden:  375 Washington St.  Malden, MA 02148  M-F  8:00am – 4:30pm

Stoneham: 16 Gould St. Stoneham, MA 02180        M-F  8:00am – 4:30pm

Chelsea: 99Everett Ave, Chelsea, MA 02151            Virtual Front Office Only

(Free Pick-up & Delivery, Mobile Estimates still available at all locations).

 

At home or work?  Take advantage of our contact-free services:

  • Free pick- up and delivery– We’ll come to you to pick up your vehicle at home or work, and deliver it back after repairs are complete.
  • Estimates – Upload your information and photos from your phone.

Click here or text “Mobile” to (781) 325-4191 for a link to the form.

TESLA Owners click here or text “Estimate” to (781) 325-4191

  • Forms / Paperwork: All needed paperwork can be completed via electronic signatures.
  • Complimentary Detail: Your vehicle will be detailed inside and out before we return it to you.
  • How to reach us: To contact a team member, call each location at the following:

Malden:  CALL: (781) 321-6080

Stoneham:  CALL: (781) 279-2220

Chelsea:  CALL: (617) 887-0080

For a detailed list of our additional precautions to keep your vehicle, and our facilities, safe and clean for you and our employees, and for the most up-to-date information, please visit https://todayscollision.com/news/

Sincerely,

Bobby Cobb and Kevin Kyes

Protect Your Car from Parking Lot Accidents

The holidays are over, winter is settling in, and we’re all in hibernation mode… unless we have to be out and about. In which case the last thing you want is a slippery crash in the parking lot!

Unfortunately, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), tens of thousands of crashes happen in parking lots and garage structures every year. Hundreds are killed and thousands are injured in these generally low speed crashes.

So, what can you do to avoid becoming one of these statistics for next year?

Skip the Distractions

We’ve all been told to pull over to the side of the road before using our phones or programing the GPS, and many of these devices require it. But that doesn’t mean we can stop paying attention in the parking lot – the car needs to actually be in park.

According to a NSC public opinion poll, at least 50 percent of American drivers said they’d text, use social media, use email, or watch videos in a parking lot.

The key to safety behind the wheel is to focus on driving and pay attention to our surroundings 100 percent of the time.

Don’t be Fooled into Complacency

Just because you’re in a parking lot and everyone is moving slowly doesn’t mean your safety is guaranteed. There are many more cars moving in different directions and pedestrians walking across the pavement, so following the rules is critical.

● Drive slowly.
● Follow the arrows, signs, and lines.
● Watch for drivers, especially reversing in and out of parking spaces.
● Triple check your surroundings when reversing.
● Pay attention to pedestrians, especially children and people in wheelchairs.

Keep your Car in Check

The most important thing to remember in a parking lot is to be aware of your surroundings in every direction.
If you are relying on things like backup cameras or blind spot notifications, remember that these systems are only as accurate as they are well maintained.

If you’ve hit a pothole recently, been in an accident, or simply haven’t washed your car, your sensors could be misaligned or your cameras could be covered in salt. It’s your job to keep cameras clean, have the computer systems scanned at your local repair shop, and trust yourself – look around your car instead of only at the narrow view of your reverse camera.

The Truth About These 5 Automotive Repair Myths

We truly hope that you never have to deal with a collision repair; accidents can be scary, expensive, and stressful. But, if you are in an accident, we’re here to simplify the process so you’re prepared and you can get your car back to normal as quickly and stress-free as possible.

Let’s uncover some common collision repair myths so you understand the truth behind them.

1. You have to take your car to the repair shop your insurance company chooses.

Actually, your insurance company has no right whatsoever to demand that you use a specific repair shop. You have the right to choose and if your insurance company tells you otherwise, it’s called steering and it’s illegal.

They may make suggestions (you can always ask) but you are under no obligation to listen to your insurance company.

2. Only the dealership can fix your car like new again.

Auto repair and collision repair shops can access repair guides from the automotive manufacturer who made your car and often repair your vehicle just as well in less time or for less money.

Some dealerships may have great repair programs, but they can also be really pricey or focus on other aspects of business more than repairs.

3. Your insurance company always covers the cost of every repair.

Depending on your insurance policy, your insurance company may cover all of your repairs, they may cover some, or they may not cover them at all. If you have coverage called “collision coverage” as part of your policy, that’s usually where the details regarding repair of your vehicle are listed. Always ask your insurance company if you’re not sure.

4. You need three estimates before your insurance company will pay.

This is not true at all, one estimate is plenty. However, if you’re shopping around for the right collision repair shop, it might be in your best interest to get multiple estimates. Your insurance company will usually perform their own estimate once you choose a shop.

5. The insurance company’s estimate is always right and they won’t pay a penny more.

Your insurance company might negotiate with the repair shop if they think the estimate is too high; the end goal is to get a safe and affordable repair. However, the insurance company is required to pay according to your policy