Vauxhall Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Damage assessment/damage survey

The following documentation describes damage assessment of a vehicle involved in an accident! The work required during collision repair to ensure traffic and operational safety focuses on work on the body. The assessor must analyse the body damage very closely as there could be deformation of bolted or welded components as well as load-bearing or supporting structures. Thus, damage differs not only as regards repair methods, but also as regards cost.

Through visual inspection of external damage, the assessor can draw conclusions regarding the scope of damage. In addition to the large, obvious deformations, the following points are to be assess through visual inspection (note light reflection), sampling and the reading of measuring instruments:

• Compare the reference value and the actual value of the axle geometry for large damage. For any vehicle, visual measurement provides an objective conclusion regarding the condition of vehicle components.
• Compare the reference value and the actual value of the bodywork for large damage. Electronic measurement provides an objective conclusion regarding the extent of vehicle damage.
• Check gap measurements at the bonnet, doors, boot lid/tailgate, wings and adjascent components. See current TIS 2000.
• Assess the roof panelling above the B-pillars for retraction and deformation, dents and dints – especially on vehicles with sunroof, roof rail and/or panoramic roof.
• Examine resistance spot welded steel plates in the door opening frames for buckling or gaping (pull off rubber door seal).
• Visually inspect the longitudinal member frame for creases, buckling, dents, cracks or retraction.
• Assess the vehicle underbody while raised on a hydraulic lift.
• Check the luggage compartment floor/floor panel for crease formation (from the luggage compartment outward) by removing the floor cover.
• Visually inspect the seam seals or adhesive beads for bursting.
• Visually inspect the shell for flaking and cracking in the paintwork.

Nowadays, a comprehensive damage assessment with exact calculations of intermediate or extensive damage is only possible if the assessor has exact knowledge of the vehicle design. Mechanics must also know the most important points of the design and which tools and repair techniques are required for repair work. Technically fault-free repair is not possible without measuring and alignment equipment.

• See the instructions in the Service Literature
• Abide by legal regulations and technical guidelines

Repair techniques

There is often no precisely laid out procedure for repairing deformations at the thresholds. Often, there are different methods that can be used to hammer out or replace a part so that the damaged vehicle is once again in an acceptable condition. The assessor must use his or her experience, and preferably the advice of the workshop foreman, to determine the most economical and logical repair technique. The manufacturer's instructions must be followed during this work.

Measurement and dimensional accuracy of repair work

There is a large number of different measuring and checking systems for collision repair work. These vary from simple diagonal measurement with the variable measuring rod to checks using modern computerised measuring techniques. Maintaining the specified dimensions is fundamental to fault-free repair. For this reason, certain measuring and alignment systems have been approved by the vehicle manufacturer.

Dimensional accuracy is first obtained when:

• there is unforced screwing with the right angle retainers,
• the measuring tips have assumed the correct position,
• the gap width adjuster is closed,
• the damaged zone is reshaped into its original form where it abuts other components,
• there is no voltage in the damaged area.

Note:   The pulling and alignment of body components, side members and crossmembers may only be done in a cold state!

Example of a damage survey

For older vehicles and/or costly repair work, the assessor must check whether the total costs exceed the replacement value of the vehicle. If this is the case, the vehicle may be written off as a total loss if comprehensive insurance applies. In the case of third party liability, however, the replacement value can be exceeded.

Vehicle owner data:

Vehicle data:

Registration number: GG – WV 000 Vehicle type: Passenger car Manufacturer: Opel Model: Agila Elegance Engine type/cubic capacity/power: Petrol/OBD 1199 ccm 55 KW VIN: WOLOHAF681G000000 Registration date/model year: 11.01.2001 § 29 General inspection date January 06 Emissions check due date: January 06 Body type: Minivan, 5-door Colour: Prestige Blue metallic Mileage: 40799 km Tyre equipment, tread depth: Wheels 4.5 J x 14, Tyres 155/65 R14 75T M+S                               6 mm   <     7 mm                                               6 mm   <     7 mm                                         General condition: well looked after Damage: none detected Vehicle condition: not assessed Vehicle documents: The technical data for the vehicle was taken from the vehicle documents presented. The VIN was compared to that in the vehicle. Equipment – accessories – special accessories see vehicle appraisal

General:

The specified vehicle is inspected in order to preserve evidence, survey the damage and calcuate repair costs. Photos taken of the damage is included with the damage survey, the purpose of which is to determine the scope of the damage. A copy of the damage survey is sent to the vehicle owner and the insurance company for informational purposes.

Cause of loss:

There are no common individual units for cause of loss. Reference is made to the damage documents.

General condition:

The general condition of the vehicle refers to its age, purpose and mileage. It is to be assessed as well looked after.

Driveability:

The damaged vehicle is not in a roadworthy, traffic-safe condition in accordance with Road Traffic Licencing Regulations.

Damage:

No detectable damage.

Other defects:

None

Description of the damage:

The detectable damage to the vehicle exterior was caused by an accident or a instantaneous incident that affected the exterior. Notes on damage: the following areas are to be examined (example)

Rear window Tailgate Rear body panel Rear panelling Luggage compartment floor Tail light inserts Left rear wheel Driver's seat backrest (twisted)

Both doors B-pillar Sill panelling Floor (laterally) Left rear wheel and rear wheel suspension (arrow)

In the local used car market, it must be possible to provide a similar replacement vehicle for the given time period.

The total of the damage-related costs exceeds the replacement value of the vehicle. This vehicle is not repairable. It is considered a total financial loss.