How to Spot a Bad Collision Repair Job (Before It’s Too Late)

How to Spot a Bad Collision Repair Job (Before It’s Too Late)

When your vehicle has been in a collision, the last thing you want is to deal 
with poor-quality repairs that cost you more in the long run. 
Unfortunately, not all body shops meet the same standard—and what 
appears “fixed” on the outside may hide serious problems beneath.

At AW Collisions, we’ve seen—and corrected—many poorly done repairs. 
Here’s how you can spot the warning signs of a bad collision repair job 
before it affects your safety, your car’s value, or your peace of mind.

1. Mismatched Paint Color or Texture

One of the easiest signs of poor repair is inconsistent paint. You might notice that the color looks different in sunlight. Uneven texture, blotchiness, or visible paint lines where the old paint meets the new one are all signs of bad blending.

AW Tip: A proper repair ensures seamless color matching using manufacturer-approved paint systems.

2. Uneven Gaps Between Panels

Check the spacing between:

  • The hood and fenders
  • Doors and side panels
  • Trunk and rear bumper

If gaps are uneven, too wide, or cause panels to rub or stick, the alignment is off.
At AW Collisions, our technicians use computerized measuring systems to realign panels to exact factory specifications.

3. Overspray or Poor Finish Work

Look inside door jambs, under the hood, or along the edges:

  • Paint overspray on trim or rubber seals
  • Weld marks, sanding scratches, or dust trapped in the paint

These are clear signs of cut corners and lack of attention to detail.
A clean, professional job should look flawless—even in hidden areas.

4. Dashboard Warning Lights or Drivability Issues

If warning lights like airbag, ABS, or check engine come on after repairs, 
it means:

  • Internal electronics were not properly restored
  • The vehicle’s systems weren’t recalibrated

AW Collisions performs pre- and post-repair diagnostics to ensure all 
systems are safe and functional before your car leaves our shop.

5. No Warranty or Documentation

If a shop can’t provide:

  • A written warranty on repairs
  • A clear breakdown of services performed

AW Collisions offers a lifetime warranty on paint and full 
documentation with every repair—because transparency matters.

Why Quality Repairs Matter

Bad collision repairs don’t just affect how your car looks—they can:

  • Lower your car’s resale value
  • Compromise safety in future crashes
  • Leave you with costly fixes later

Trust the Experts at AW Collisions

We take pride in delivering OEM-level repair quality backed by years of experience, top-tier training, and a commitment to your safety and satisfaction.

At AW Collisions, you get:

  • I-CAR Gold Class Certified Technicians
  • Precision frame and panel alignment
  • Exact-match paint technology
  • Lifetime warranty on all paint jobs
  • Insurance claim support

AW Collision