Fresh paint and straight panels are only part of a proper collision repair. If suspension points shifted, or parts were removed and reinstalled, alignment should be verified before you put highway miles back on the car.
What collision damage can change
Impacts can alter camber, caster, and toe. Even a moderate front-end hit may leave the steering wheel crooked or cause a pull to one side. Drivers sometimes notice uneven tire wear weeks later if geometry was never corrected.
The advantage of an on-site mechanical shop
Many body shops send vehicles out for alignment. At IAG Collision Center in Westminster, an adjoining mechanical facility with Hunter Hawkeye laser alignment means post-repair geometry can be checked without another handoff, which is helpful for busy Carroll County drivers.
When to insist on an alignment
- Any structural or suspension-related repair
- Steering or ride changes after the accident
- Replacement of control arms, knuckles, or related parts
- Uneven tire wear after you get the vehicle back
Ask about alignment when you review the estimate. Book a free estimate or read how repairs move from insurance approval to delivery on our process page.