Did You Get Collision Repair Done Properly

Synopsis

Not all collision repairs are equal—many hide critical issues beneath surface-level fixes. Redeemed Auto Body in West Monroe, LA, guides readers on how to inspect their vehicle post-repair and highlights the importance of choosing a trusted collision center. Learn how proper repair protects safety, performance, and long-term value.

Millions of vehicles are repaired each year in the U.S., but not all repairs meet proper standards. Industry data indicates a large portion of cars on the road—especially those older than 10 years—have undergone some form of bodywork, underscoring the importance of quality repairs. Many drivers assume a fresh coat of paint or a straight panel means their vehicle is safe, but hidden issues can still exist beneath the surface. If you’ve recently visited a collision center, it’s worth asking: Did the shop fix more than just the cosmetic damage? Accurate collision repairs are necessary to protect your safety, vehicle value, and performance.

Redeemed Auto Body is a collision center in West Monroe, LA, that is known for providing proper and thorough vehicle repairs. We are deeply committed to the community we serve, as our owner, Walt, grew up and has always lived here. He has been working in the industry since 2007, starting from the basics and establishing Redeemed Auto Body in 2020. His passion and experience fuel us to deliver high-quality auto collision repair that you can rely on. 

Redeemed Auto Body has helped drivers across West Monroe and nearby areas spot warning signs after subpar collision repair services. This guide explains what to check after repairs and why quality matters. When you’re searching for “collision repair near me,” knowing what to look for helps you make informed decisions. Use this checklist to confirm whether your auto collision repair was done right or if it’s time for a second opinion.

Why Proper Collision Repair Matters

Improper collision repair can weaken your vehicle’s safety features, reduce performance, and hurt resale value. Cars that undergo improper collision repair can present with bent frames, loose panels, and missed structural damage. These types of mistakes can compromise how your car protects you in a crash. If crumple zones, airbags, or other structural safety components are not repaired following OEM manufacturer procedures and standards, your safety in future collisions can be seriously compromised.

Hidden damage after an accident is more common than people think. If your vehicle pulls to one side, makes new noises, or your doors don’t shut as they used to, those are warning signs that something wasn’t fixed right. Redeemed Auto Body uses advanced 3D frame measuring systems to ensure that your vehicle’s frame is restored to factory specifications. We don’t guess — we verify with precision.

A complete post-repair inspection isn’t optional—it’s necessary. Before handing your keys back, we check everything from safety lights to advanced driver systems. Make sure the collision repair shop that you choose follows OEM procedures as Redeemed Auto Body does. We repair your vehicle according to manufacturer protocols, using certified technicians and proper equipment to ensure the highest safety standards.

Visual Inspection Checklist

Paint Quality and Color Matching

The paint should blend smoothly with the original color without visible lines or uneven texture. When your vehicle returns from a collision center, walk around it under natural light. Look for overspray around trim pieces or wheel wells—this signals shortcuts. Paint should feel smooth to the touch without dust nibs, fisheyes, or dull patches. At Redeemed Auto Body, we use a computerized color-matching system to match factory color codes with precision, helping your vehicle look as close to pre-accident condition as possible.

Body Panel Alignment

Panel gaps should be uniform, and moving parts should open and close like they did before the accident. Uneven gaps, rubbing doors, or a trunk that won’t latch often point to poor repairs. Our team uses 3D frame measuring tools to align body panels back to factory specs. Collision repairs at Redeemed Auto Body are done right. Hence, your car’s body lines are consistent, and all panels operate smoothly.

Surface Cleanliness

A clean finish with no leftover polish, fingerprints, or dust means attention was paid to the final steps. Before delivery, our team details every vehicle inside and out. No residue should remain from buffing compounds or sanding. A proper detail job is more than a shine—it shows care was taken from start to finish in your auto collision repair.

Functional and Safety Features Assessment

Lighting and Electrical Systems

All lights and electrical features should work just as they did before the accident. After auto collision repair, test your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and interior dome lights. Malfunctioning lights may point to damaged wiring or loose connections. You’ll also want to check your dashboard for any warning indicators that weren’t there before the repair. A reliable collision center reconnects and tests every affected wire harness and bulb to verify full electrical functionality before returning your vehicle.

For example, if a front-end collision damaged your headlight housing, we would replace the broken parts and confirm that alignment and brightness levels match factory standards. Whether it’s a taillight or a fog light, we don’t consider the job complete unless every fixture works properly.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

ADAS features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control must function correctly after repairs. If your vehicle includes safety tech like cameras, sensors, or radar, those systems may need calibration after an accident. Improper calibration can lead to warning chimes, poor response times, or complete failure. At Redeemed Auto Body, we coordinate with sublet ADAS recalibration to dealers following structural or bumper repairs.

If your car once alerted you when drifting out of a lane or nearing a vehicle too closely, those alerts should still work. A collision repair service that skips ADAS recalibration puts your safety at risk.

Airbag System

The airbag light should be off, and any deployed airbags must be replaced and reset. After a deployment, the airbag system can’t protect you unless it’s fully restored. That includes sensor replacement and system diagnostics. A steady airbag warning light means your vehicle failed its internal safety check. We confirm this system is reset and ready before any delivery.

Structural Integrity and Alignment

Proper structural alignment is essential for vehicle safety and performance after a collision. At Redeemed Auto Body, we understand that the unseen aspects of collision repair are just as important as the visible ones. Ensuring your vehicle’s frame and alignment are restored correctly is vital for safe driving and long-term durability.

Frame and Chassis Inspection

Computerized frame measurements are crucial to detect and correct structural misalignments. After a collision, even minor frame damage can lead to issues if not properly addressed. Signs of improper repairs include uneven tire wear, which may indicate misalignment, and misaligned body panels that suggest structural discrepancies. Our collision repair services utilize advanced diagnostic tools to assess and rectify frame and chassis issues accurately.

Suspension and Steering

Unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling to one side while driving can indicate suspension or steering problems post-repair. A properly repaired vehicle should be handled smoothly and predictably. If you experience clunking sounds or vibrations or if the steering wheel feels off-center, these may be signs of underlying issues with the suspension or steering systems. 

By focusing on these critical aspects, Redeemed Auto Body aims to provide a wide range of collision repair services that prioritize your safety and vehicle performance. Our collision center is equipped to meet your needs with precision and care.

Test Drive Evaluation

A proper post-repair test drive is necessary to confirm that your vehicle was repaired correctly. A thorough test drive is necessary after completing any auto collision repair. It’s not just about checking if the vehicle runs—it’s about identifying problems that may not show up while the vehicle is parked in the shop.

During the test drive, listen for unusual noises like rattling, clunking, or whistling. These sounds could point to loose parts, poorly fitted panels, or internal issues with suspension or steering systems. Auto collision repair technicians also monitor for vibrations in the steering wheel or floorboard, which might suggest unbalanced wheels or misalignment, problems that can occur if a collision center overlooks hidden damage.

Braking performance is another key test. If the brakes feel soft, pull to one side, or respond unevenly, there may be underlying issues that need attention. Proper braking should feel smooth and consistent.

We also check how the car tracks while driving straight. If the car pulls in one direction or the steering wheel sits off-center, alignment may still be off—something no reputable collision repair center should leave unresolved.

Always ask the collision repair shop whether a test drive was performed before pickup. It’s a key part of quality collision repair services.

Documentation and Warranty Verification

Check your repair invoice, parts list, and warranty coverage to confirm your repair was completed properly. At our collision center in West Monroe, we recommend reviewing your paperwork carefully. Your repair invoice should list every task performed—panel replacements, frame work, refinishing, or paint matching. Look for precise notes, not just general descriptions.

For any auto collision repair, the use of OEM parts is key. These parts are made to match the specs of your original vehicle. If you’re unsure whether OEM parts were used, ask us. 

Redeemed Auto Body always aims to use OEM parts when available because they fit better and maintain vehicle safety. As discussed, we provide a limited lifetime warranty on our collision repair services, including paint and workmanship. That warranty should be documented, and you should know exactly what’s covered. For example, if a paint finish begins to peel or if a repaired panel doesn’t align, the warranty allows you to return it for corrections.

Choosing a collision center that’s transparent with documentation and warranty terms helps protect your investment. At Redeemed Auto Body, we’ll go over every part of the repair and answer any questions so you leave confident in the results.

Choosing the Right Collision Center

Choosing the right collision center affects the quality, safety, and longevity of your repair. When you search for “collision repair near me,” you’ll find plenty of options—but not all collision repair centers offer the same level of service. Redeemed Auto Body is a collision center in West Monroe, LA, grounded in training, precision, and care.

We use OEM parts whenever possible and follow manufacturer repair procedures to help restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. That means no shortcuts or low-quality parts that could affect your car’s performance or safety systems.

Redeemed Auto Body provides a limited lifetime warranty on workmanship and paint for the original vehicle owner, subject to specific terms and conditions. If any issues arise over time, we will correct them. This reflects our ongoing commitment to quality collision repairs and customer satisfaction.

Our technicians hold I-CAR Platinum certification, which means they receive ongoing training to stay up to date with today’s repair standards. This is especially important when working on newer vehicles with advanced features.

We also value clear communication. You’ll know what’s being done, why it matters, and when it will be ready. If you need auto collision repair in West Monroe, LA, Redeemed Auto Body provides repairs.

Trust Redeemed Auto Body for Reliable Collision Repair in West Monroe, LA

Check your repairs, ask questions, and always choose a shop with a trusted reputation. Redeemed Auto Body recommends inspecting your vehicle after repairs for gaps, paint mismatches, or unusual noises. Look at panel alignment, test the doors and windows, and review your repair invoice.

If something feels off after your auto collision repair, don’t ignore it. Bring it back in for a second look. A quality collision repair in West Monroe, LA, at Redeemed Auto Body, leaves your vehicle safe, restored, and ready for the road.

If you’re searching for collision repair near you in West Monroe, LA, contact Redeemed Auto Body at (318) 789-6675 or redeemedautobody@gmail.com We’re here to answer questions and schedule repairs. Don’t miss a free consultation with our collision repair specialists.