Getting your car ready for dent or body repair might seem straightforward, but a smooth repair process often starts well before you arrive at the shop.
Whether you've scheduled an appointment for minor dent removal or extensive body repair after a collision, how you prepare your vehicle can affect timelines, communication, and even repair quality. Simple steps like removing personal items and documenting your vehicle's condition before drop-off can help you avoid delays or miscommunications.
At Minnetonka Collision, we've seen firsthand how a little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring a stress-free repair experience. From clearing out valuables to understanding what to expect if hidden damage is discovered, vehicle owners play a key role in setting the stage for an efficient service.
This article outlines how to prepare your car for body work, tailored to Minnetonka's climate and driving conditions. You'll learn what to remove from your car before drop-off, whether washing your car is necessary, how updates are typically delivered, and what kind of reports you should receive before and after the work is done. If you're considering dent repair or any body service, these insights will help you get ready.
We’ll explore five key preparation areas: what personal items should be removed, whether you should wash the exterior before drop-off, how shops communicate progress, what happens if additional damage is discovered, and whether you'll receive detailed inspection reports.
Understanding each of these areas can prevent confusion, speed up your repair, and protect your vehicle throughout the process. Keep reading to learn how you can prepare your vehicle like a pro before bringing it to Minnetonka Collision.
Which Personal Items Should Be Removed Before a Body or Dent Repair?
Before dropping off your vehicle for repair, remove all personal belongings from the interior and trunk.
These include common items like sunglasses, charging cables, garage door openers, documents, child safety seats, and removable GPS units. Auto body repair processes often require moving, adjusting, or even dismantling interior panels, so any loose objects may be misplaced or damaged if not removed in advance.
Shops like Minnetonka Collision also advise removing valuables that could be targets for theft or loss. Items stored in the glove compartment or center console—such as insurance cards, registration papers, or toll passes—should be taken out if not needed for the repair.
Keeping the interior clear allows technicians to work more efficiently and ensures there are no obstructions or liability issues related to lost items. Personal effects can also interfere with processes like realignment, electrical diagnostics, or access to panels during dent repair.
By preparing your car this way, you're helping the repair shop stay focused on the technical work without delays caused by needing to contact you about forgotten belongings.
Should You Wash the Exterior of Your Vehicle Before Drop-Off?
Washing your car before bringing it in for auto body repair is strongly recommended.
Clean exteriors make it easier for technicians to assess damage accurately. Dirt, salt, and grime can obscure scratches, dents, and imperfections, leading to missed issues in the initial inspection. A thorough wash provides visibility for assessing paint condition, alignment, and panel fitment.
Shops like Minnetonka Collision conduct detailed visual inspections before starting repairs. These inspections form the baseline for estimates, and a dirty surface could result in overlooked damage or complications later in the process. Additionally, cleaning the exterior prevents contaminants from entering repair areas or interfering with paint adhesion and finish quality.
Although some shops may clean vehicles upon intake, the goal is to start with a vehicle that presents all known damage clearly. Pre-washing your car supports accurate auto body repair planning and can contribute to a faster and more precise repair timeline.
Do Shops Provide Updates via Phone or Email?
Modern collision repair facilities typically use a combination of phone calls and email to keep customers informed throughout the repair process.
While traditional phone updates are still common, many shops are shifting toward digital communication for efficiency and clarity. This may include appointment confirmations, progress photos, approval requests for supplemental damage, and completion notices sent via email or text.
At Minnetonka Collision, customer service is integrated with streamlined communications. Many customers receive automated status updates and personalized messages from our staff when key stages are completed, such as after disassembly or part ordering. This allows vehicle owners to stay informed without having to initiate contact themselves.
Ask the shop which communication methods they use when you schedule your appointment. Providing your preferred contact method helps avoid missed updates and ensures that any required approvals or scheduling details are handled promptly.
Quick communication also supports faster turnaround by minimizing response delays when issues arise.
What Happens If Additional Damage Is Found During Repair?
It is not uncommon for technicians to discover additional damage after disassembly begins. Behind panels and bumpers, hidden frame misalignments, wiring issues, or rusted structural components may only become apparent once parts are removed. This kind of supplemental damage must be addressed to ensure both cosmetic and structural integrity.
If additional issues are found, the shop typically prepares a supplement—a revised estimate including the new findings—and submits it to your insurance provider (if applicable) for approval.
This step may introduce a short delay, but it ensures all necessary repairs are covered and performed properly. Transparent shops like Minnetonka Collision will contact you immediately to explain any additions and next steps.
Understanding that supplemental findings are part of many repair jobs can help reduce frustration. Be prepared for this possibility and ask the shop how they handle supplements.
This transparency can help set realistic expectations for repair time and cost, especially when dealing with insurance claims.
Will You Receive a Pre- & Post-Repair Inspection Report?
Yes, most reputable collision repair shops perform detailed inspections before and after repairs. The pre-repair inspection documents all visible damage, part conditions, and any safety concerns. This helps technicians plan repairs accurately and provides a reference for communicating with insurers and customers.
Post-repair inspections verify that all planned work was completed to specification. These checks may include visual alignment, paint finish quality, structural straightness, electronic system calibration, and safety features. Some shops use checklists or diagnostic tools to confirm everything meets OEM specifications.
At shops like Minnetonka Collision, these inspection stages are treated as critical quality control steps. We help confirm that your vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition and complies with safety standards.
Working with a shop that offers both pre- and post-inspections ensures accountability and high-quality results!!!
How Minnetonka Collision Helps You Prepare for Dent & Body Repairs
From minor dents to major bodywork, Minnetonka Collision delivers expert auto repair backed by transparent processes and thorough communication. With a dedicated facility at 11040 Highway 55, Plymouth, MN 55441, we help customers throughout Minnetonka and the surrounding area stay informed and confident during every step of the repair process.
Our team prepares comprehensive inspection reports and walks you through supplemental findings when hidden damage is discovered—so you’re never left guessing. Whether you're bringing your car in for cosmetic fixes or collision recovery, enjoy streamlined scheduling, secure communication, and attention to detail ensure your experience is efficient and stress-free.
Our local team encourages customers to remove valuables, clean their vehicle, and stay engaged via email or phone throughout the service. If you're preparing your vehicle for service, contact us to get started.
Call 763-230-7805 or stop by Minnetonka Collision to learn more about how we can guide you through every detail of the auto body repair process.