Inspect your car before accepting it back from a panel beater in South Africa

Most motorists may find it daunting to collect their vehicle after collision repairs and seek reassurance that the work has been completed to a high standard.

This includes work done by accredited repairers who follow stringent repair processes and conduct multiple inspections throughout the repair journey.

South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) National Director Juan Hanekom explains that knowing what repairs were authorised and what to inspect can help motorists feel more confident when taking delivery of their vehicle.

“One of the biggest misconceptions consumers have is that a repairer restores the entire vehicle after an accident,” he said.

“In reality, repairs are carried out according to the scope authorised by either the insurer or the customer.”

“If additional work is required, motorists can discuss this with the repairer and request a separate quotation.”

Hanekom suggests that consumers begin their inspection by focusing on the area where repairs were made.

Once repaired, the area should appear uniform and consistent with the condition of the surrounding panels.

The easiest way to check this is to look at the panel gaps around doors, the bonnet, boot, or repaired panels, ensuring these are evenly spaced and aligned with the adjacent body panels.

“A quality repair should blend seamlessly with the rest of the vehicle. The repaired area should not immediately stand out to the eye,” explained Hanekom.

The next aspect of the repair job to check is matching paint, which is often the most visible factor of a collision repair.

Checking this is as easy as standing a few metres – about three or four – away from the vehicle and viewing the repaired area from different angles, and preferably in natural daylight.

This quickly indicates whether the colour and finish match the surrounding panels, especially when it comes to consistency of colour, gloss, and texture.

Motor body repairers will return the vehicle in a clean and presentable condition, but motorists should not automatically expect a full valet or detailing service unless this was part of the agreement.

However, Hanekom suggests consumers still inspect around the repaired area for signs of quality workmanship.

“Common items to check include polish residue trapped in panel gaps or on window rubbers, paint overspray, loose trim pieces or other repair-related residue,” he said.

“The finer details often reflect the pride a repairer takes in their work.”

Once the exterior inspection is completed, consumers must ensure that everything in the car operates correctly.

Where relevant, according to the authorised repair, things like sensors, doors, windows, and lights should operate normally alongside all other components.

Hanekom said motorists should raise concerns immediately during the handover and ask the repairer to explain the work that was completed.

Quality control standards already in place

Hanekom explained that accredited repairers are expected to conduct numerous inspections throughout the repair process.

These typically include assessments before the client is first quoted, when the vehicle is booked in for repairs to be effected, during the repair process, and once more before delivery.

“Many repairers document these inspections extensively, often capturing dozens of photographs at both the booking-in and delivery stages,” he said.

“These quality-control processes help ensure the vehicle meets the required repair standards before it is returned to the customer.”

Because vehicles are becoming increasingly complex and incorporating advanced materials, sensors, and safety technology, quality repairs remain a critical part of vehicle safety and performance.

SAMBRA is calling on South African motorists to choose accredited repairers, to ask questions about the authorised repair scope, and ensure they understand the work completed before accepting delivery.

“A professional repair is not simply about appearance. It is about correctly restoring the damaged area in accordance with approved repair procedures and giving the customer confidence in the work that has been carried out,” concluded Hanekom.