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Supply Chain Issues In The Automotive Repair Industry

Pro Line Systems International-Auto Body Shop Equipment
Published by Pro Line Systems in Informational · 15 October 2022
Tags: Learnaboutthecausesofthesupplychaindisruptionanditseffectonautorepairbusinessesandwhatyoucandotominimizeit'seffect.

Car Parts Supply Chain Issues Causing Delayed Auto Repairs For Auto Body & Mechanical Shops


Learn About Car Parts Supply Chain Issues

Car repairers in the U.S. are experiencing a significant delay in completing repairs due to many supply chain issues. What used to take hours or days to repair a vehicle has become in many cases taking several months. This is causing a lot of frustration throughout the industry.

Because of microchip shortages, shipping blockages, and labor shortages caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, delays have been rampant, leading to a surge in Lemon Law cases.

Since the beginning of the 2020 global pandemic, supply chain problems have been plaguing the automotive industry. Used car parts take much longer to manufacture and distribute, resulting in lengthy repair delays for consumers. Early in 2021, new car prices rose as material supplies grew increasingly scarce.

Why does it take so long to fix cars?

There are still problems with the current supply chain, so car repairs that used to take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to repair have now in many cases taken several months. Unfortunately, visiting a trustworthy mechanic isn't always an option. Here's a glimpse at how the supply chain affects repair times.

supply chain issues is hurting my business

What Are the Causes of Auto Supply Chain Issues?


Microchip Shortages
The problem in the supply chain began with a microchip shortage in March 2020. Many automobile manufacturers were forced to close production because of pandemic quarantine restrictions. Since the plants were assumed to be closed for a long time, many manufacturers stopped ordering microchips from overseas suppliers.

At the same time, the global population rapidly turned toward technology-based communication, and consumer demand for televisions, computers, and gaming systems soared. Furthermore, car firms were confronted with a dilemma because the limited number of microchip producers were busy fulfilling orders for other clients. As a result, China closed key shipping ports during the summer of 2020 to curb the spread of Covid-19, a deadly virus. The congestion resulting from these closures has persisted until now.


Labor Shortages
The issue with Covid-19 has dramatically impacted the U.S. labor pool. This shortage has also contributed to global supply chain issues. Every industry has been affected, but the automotive sector has been particularly affected. High turnover rates are primarily the result of burnout, health concerns, and vaccination requirements that are perceived as unfavorable. Young people are less likely to enter the manufacturing workforce due to higher educational requirements for employment.

Shipping Blockages
In late 2020, shipping businesses were unprepared for an uptick in production. Containers of items had been stockpiled worldwide since production had been halted, and thus containers were not shipped back to their countries of origin. Because of this, companies faced delays as they sought to obtain new containers for shipment. Even when microchips and other raw materials arrive in the U.S., truck driver shortages impede their journey to local repair shops and mechanics.

5 Months Just To Get The Part?

When will the car supply chain issues be resolved?


Global automotive supply chains are said to be experiencing temporary difficulties. It is thought that the worst part of the situation is behind us, but that supply chain disruptions and part shortages may last until 2022 or 2023.
Being forced to wait weeks and months for vehicle repairs can be extremely frustrating. However, you can do a few things to improve your situation.

Be Your Advocate

Your insurer may cover a rental vehicle if your car is in the shop. If you weren't at fault in an accident, the insurance company for the other driver might cover this expense. You might also seek rental reimbursement from the dealer repairing your automobile. Discussing the time frame for repairs with your mechanic is critical beyond seeking a rental car. A good mechanic will provide an honest time estimate and won't make commitments they cannot keep.

You can file a lemon law lawsuit.

'Lemon' law is a consumer-protection measure that applies to defective cars. In certain states, a car that has been out of service for an extended period may be considered a 'lemon.' When your car has been out of service for repairs for a long time, you may be eligible for a cash settlement, a refund, or a replacement car under the Lemon Law.

Normally, you must wait at least 30 days for repairs on your vehicle to file a lemon law claim, but every state has its rules. For example, the California Lemon Law defines a lemon as a car that has been out of service for at least 30 days within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first.

Even if your vehicle is awaiting repairs and parts at the repair shop, it may still be considered a lemon. Suppose your vehicle fulfills the criteria for a lemon according to your state's or the federal government's lemon law. In that case, you may be able to receive compensation from Krohn & Moss, Ltd. They provide free case reviews. If you take a few minutes today, you may be able to receive a new vehicle without paying a cent.

As a collision repair shop here's what can you can do to alleviate this problem.

Fix the damaged part.
Today, we have access to modern collision repair equipment that can provide excellent repair quality. This will lessen the stress of managing your shop and get the vehicle back to the customer without the drama of them having to wait.
Especially repairing plastic parts such as headlight tabs, and bumper covers, polypropylene, and just about any plastic composite can be repaired with excellent results. Nitrogen plastic welders provide clean and strong plastic repairs and are definitely worth the investment.

Pro Line Systems International Inc. has been providing quality auto body repair equipment since 2002. If you are in need of collision repair equipment, Check them out here.


Are you looking for an Auto Body Repair Equipment Supplier with an excellent reputation, products, and pricing?
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