Repairing Today’s Vehicles: Protecting Families Through Proper Repairs
by Chevy Corn, ABAT Board Member
Growing up in a collision repair shop, I learned early on that repairing a vehicle wasn’t just about making it look good again – it was about restoring the safety that families depend on every time they get behind the wheel.
Today, as a fourth-generation independent collision repair shop owner, I have the privilege of carrying on a family legacy that began decades ago, and that responsibility means more to me than ever.
The collision repair industry has changed dramatically over the last decade. Modern vehicles are engineering marvels built with advanced high-strength steels, aluminum, sophisticated restraint systems and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). While these advancements have made vehicles safer, they have also made proper repairs significantly more complex.
The days of simply pulling a dent and replacing a few parts are long behind us. Today’s repairs require research, specialized equipment, ongoing technician training, OEM repair procedures, scanning, calibrations and detailed documentation. Every step matters because every vehicle we repair carries someone’s family.
As independent repairers, we face these challenges every day. We invest heavily in training, technology and equipment because cutting corners isn’t an option. Our customers trust us with one of the most important investments they will ever make – and, more importantly, they trust us with their safety. That is something we must never take lightly.
Unfortunately, there is still a misconception that all collision repairs are the same. They aren’t. The difference between a proper repair and an improper one may not always be visible when the vehicle leaves the shop, but it can make all the difference in another collision. Following OEM repair procedures isn’t about unnecessarily increasing repair costs – it’s about ensuring the vehicle performs as its engineers intended.
That’s why organizations like the Auto Body Association of Texas are so important. ABAT’s mission extends beyond supporting repair shops. We advocate for consumers, promote proper repair standards, educate legislators and industry stakeholders, and work to ensure Texas motorists receive safe, quality repairs regardless of where they choose to have their vehicles repaired.
As Board members and industry professionals, we have a responsibility to lead by example and continue educating ourselves and others. Vehicle technology will continue to evolve, and so must we. By investing in our people, embracing continuous education, and standing united behind safe and proper repairs, we can strengthen our profession and better protect the driving public.
One of our best opportunities to continue that growth is right around the corner. The Texas Auto Body Trade Show is quickly approaching, and I encourage every repair professional – from shop owners and managers to estimators and technicians – to make plans to attend. There has never been a better time to learn directly from some of the industry’s leading experts, see the latest technology firsthand, and gain practical knowledge that can immediately improve our businesses and the quality of our repairs.
Our industry is evolving faster than ever. New vehicle technologies, repair procedures and equipment are constantly changing, and staying current is no longer optional – it’s essential. The education available at the Texas Auto Body Trade Show can help Texas repairers remain at the forefront of safe, proper and OEM-compliant repairs while building valuable relationships with professionals who share that same commitment.
I’ve spent my career believing that our industry does much more than fix vehicles. We restore lives, protect families and preserve the integrity of the transportation people depend on every day.
That responsibility is worth fighting for. I look forward to seeing you at the Texas Auto Body Trade Show as we continue learning, growing and strengthening our industry together.
Want more? Check out the August 2026 issue of Texas Automotive!