You’re Not Just Fixing a Car — You’re Signing Off on a Life-Saving System

Every time you return a vehicle to a customer, you’re saying:

“This car is safe to drive. All repairs were done correctly. All systems work as intended.”

And if you skipped a calibration because it wasn’t approved, or because it “seemed fine,” you’ve just turned that promise into a gamble.

Here’s how to protect your shop — legally, professionally, and ethically.

Step 1: Always Follow the OEM. No Exceptions.

Doesn’t matter what the DRP says.Doesn’t matter what the insurer “recommends.”Doesn’t matter if the adjuster says, “We’ve never paid for that before.”

If the OEM says calibrate, you calibrate.

This is your best legal shield — and your most powerful customer defense.

Step 2: Document Everything

If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.

You need:

• Pre-scan report

• Post-scan report

• Photos of calibration setup

• OEM repair procedures

• Notes showing who denied what — and when

If the insurance company says no? Keep that email. Log that call.If the customer pushes back? Write down what was explained, and what they agreed to.

Step 3: Never Deliver an Incomplete Repair

You wouldn’t skip bleeding the brakes because it wasn’t approved.You wouldn’t leave a bolt half-tightened because the customer was in a rush.

So don’t return a car with active safety systems left unchecked.

If something is required, and they won’t authorize it?Stop the repair. Call the customer. Show them the proof. Let them decide.

But don’t push it out the door “half done.”

Final Word: The Best Defense Is a Clean File and a Clear Conscience

If you follow OEM procedures and document your steps, you’re not just compliant — you’re bulletproof.

Do it right. Back it up. And you’ll never need to explain why you skipped something that could’ve saved a life.