Collision Repair Defect Analysis

Crash Reconstruction Truck Crash Reconstruction Mechanical Failure Analysis Truck Safety & Compliance Truck Driving Standards Truck Maintenance Analysis Runaway Truck Crashes Brake Failure Analysis Air Brake Failure Analysis Wheel & Hub Failure Analysis Tire Failure Analysis Truck Underride Collisions Roadway Safety Analysis Auto Event Data Recorders Truck Event Data Recorders Forensic Mapping Computer Animation Diminished Value Inspections Expert Testimony Most crash investigators have seen a collision where one of the vehicles involved has been torn completely into two parts. The most common conclusion for an investigator is to attribute this result to the vehicle's frameless construction (unibody). Because of the design of the unibody, it is extremely important that autobody technicians are trained and understand what they can and cannot do when repairing these vehicles. For example, during these repairs, structural components should be replaced unless they are only lightly damaged and the damaged metal was not kinked.		John C. Glennon, Chartered can inspect vehicles to determine if preexisting autobody collision repairs were performed. Autobody collision repair defects can cause poor vehicle handling, catastrophic failures, and poor vehicle crash performance. To link to our automotive expert, click here. A large percentage of the driving public unknowingly operate vehicles that are unsafe. These vehicles are ones that have structure repair from a prior collision. In many cases, the prior collision damage is not repaired properly. Improperly repaired damage can cause poor handling and loss of control due to body misalignment or improperly attached components. In addition, this improper repair can contribute to the level of injuries sustained in a subsequent collision if the structural components of the vehicle were not repaired using standard methods. Improper Collision Repair Improper collision repair is more pervasive than most people realize. Since most crash investigators are not qualified to perform a structural analysis of vehicles after a collision, these repair problems are rarely discovered in crash investigations. For example, most crash investigators have seen a collision where one of the vehicles involved has been torn completely into two parts. The most common conclusion for an investigator is to attribute this result to the vehicle's frameless construction (unibody). More likely, however, is that the vehicle was improperly repaired after being involved in a prior collision. Unibody vehicles are designed without a true frame. The frame members and body panels are welded together to form a rigid structural unit, which is constructed of relatively thin high-tempered, high-strength steel (HSS). The result of this design is a structure in which all components rely on each other to form one very strong unit. Therefore, when repairing unibody vehicles, certain procedures must be strictly followed to keep from compromising the structural integrity of the whole unit. The nature of autobody repair, however, allows technicians to do countless things that compromise the structural integrity of a unibody. Autobody Repair vs. Mechanical Auto Repair Autobody repair is very much different than mechanical auto repair. Where mechanical repair usually has precise procedures, autobody repair is more of a craft. As a result, autobody technicians are required to make many subjective decisions when performing a repair. Because of the design of the unibody, it is extremely important that autobody technicians are trained and understand what they can and cannot do when repairing these vehicles. For example, during these repairs, structural components should be replaced unless they are only lightly damaged and the damaged metal was not kinked. Additionally, if the component being straightened must be heated, it can only be heated to a specified temperature for a short period of time, as defined by the vehicle's manufacturer. Once the specified temperature or time has been exceeded, the part will lose it's temper and strength and, therefore, should be replaced. Damaged structural components can be replaced in two ways. One way is to replace the entire component at the factory seams (the part of the component that is welded to the adjoining structure). In most cases, this is very difficult to accomplish because the location of the factory seams may require other parts to be removed (such as an engine or transmission) in order to gain access to the factory seams of the damaged component. Because of these difficulties, structural sectioning is the preferred method of replacement. Structural sectioning is a highly effective method of replacing a portion of the damaged component. However, if sectioning is not done properly it can create problems. In summary, if badly damaged or over-heated components are not replaced or if components are improperly replaced or improperly sectioned, the structure of the entire vehicle can be compromised. The result is a vehicle that may not act (crush) the way it was intended to by the manufacturer. Also the level of damage could be much higher if the strength of the vehicle is reduced. Proper Repair Techniques A surprisingly high percentage of body shops fail to use proper repair techniques. In some shops, this problem is a result of untrained technicians. In other shops, the problem results from technicians either not spending enough time to fix a vehicle properly or not being allowed to replace a part that should be replaced. These kinds of problems often occur because insurance companies want to have vehicles repaired at the lowest cost to them. They either require damaged vehicle owners to "shop around" for the cheapest repair or ask them to use a low-cost body shop that is preferred by the insurance company. In essence, vehicle owners are coerced to accept the poorest quality repair so insurance companies can get the lowest cost. As a result, body shops are forced to compete for the lowest price instead of for the best quality. When this happens, the shop's ability to train and maintain qualified technicians disappears. The result is a large number of shops that have technicians that do not understand the proper methods of repairing unibody vehicles. In addition, shops write damage repair estimates that do not allow enough time for the technicians to repair the vehicle properly. Since technicians are paid using a flat rate system (paid according to the job they performed and not the actual time they spent on it) they are forced to cut corners in order to get the job done in the time provided on the estimate. 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