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Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland repairs the mechanical side of crash damage, plus light body parts. After a front-end hit, the parts that keep the car running are often the ones that took the damage: the radiator, the AC condenser, the fans, the headlamps, and the steering and suspension. Our ASE-certified technicians fix those parts, road-test the car and write each repair on the estimate. Structural body work is referred to a collision shop.
Which parts do we repair after a crash?
- Radiators and radiator supports pushed back or leaking
- AC condensers and cooling fans damaged at the front
- Headlamps, fog lamps and wiring connectors
- Tie rods, control arms and wheels bent by a curb or impact
- Bumper covers, liners and trim that bolt or clip on
In what order should crash repairs happen?
Structure comes first. If the car needs straightening, that work happens at a collision shop before cooling parts are mounted, because mount points must be in the right place. If there is no structural damage, we can do the whole job here.
Cooling and AC come next, since a small leak after a hit can overheat an engine on a hot afternoon. We handle radiator repair and AC condenser repair, then lighting and steering. Suspension work is followed by an alignment we arrange, then a road test. Bolt-on body parts like the bumper cover go on last.
Our crash damage repair process
Step 1: Confirm structure is sound
We check that no straightening is needed, or that it has been done.
Step 2: Repair cooling and AC
Damaged radiator, condenser and fan parts are replaced and the system is tested.
Step 3: Restore lights and steering
Lamps are replaced and aimed, and bent steering or suspension parts are replaced.
Step 4: Refit body parts and road test
Covers and trim go on, and the car is road-tested for temperature, pull and noise.
What's included in crash damage repair
Included on the work order
- 01Structural check before mechanical work
- 02Cooling system pressure test after repairs
- 03AC performance check after condenser work
- 04Lamp function and aim check
- 05Road test for temperature, pull and noise
- 06Photos of replaced parts
Which crash repairs cannot wait?
Need now: call
- Coolant leaks or overheating
- Broken headlamps
- Bent steering parts or a pull
Need later: book
- AC condenser damage with no leak, noted for monitoring
- Cosmetic trim
How is crash damage repair priced?
Each part is its own line on the written estimate. Radiators and condensers for common cars are usually easy to get; lamps can take longer. If more damage turns up, we stop and ask before continuing.
After crash repairs
Watch the temperature gauge and check the coolant level for the first week. Come back if the steering wheel sits off center or the AC blows warm.
Frequently asked questions
Can you replace my radiator after an accident?
Yes, once any structural damage is repaired. We pressure-test the cooling system afterward.
Do you do the body work too?
Light body parts like bumper covers, liners and trim, yes. Structural and refinish work goes to a collision shop.
Why does my car overheat after a small crash?
The radiator, fan or a hose may be damaged or leaking. Stop driving it and call (909) 608-7699.