What is the CSS Standard?
CSS – Certified Steel Standard, it is the Irish national vehicle body repairers standards programme of SIMI.
While there are many approved and accredited vehicle body repairers (Bodyshops) operating in Ireland, there has never been a National Irish standard.
CSS is the first of its kind for vehicle body repairers who undertake to structurally repair accident damaged vehicles. The standard incorporates the industry agreed technical specification for the process of vehicle body repair outlining the processes and procedures directly related to the safe repair of accident damaged vehicles.
What does the CSS Standard mean for Consumer Confidence?
- Ensuring the craftsmen carrying out the repairs have the appropriate qualifications.
- Ensuring that every aspect of the job is recorded and traceable.
- Ensuring that the bodyshop has all of the tools and equipment to carry to out the repair correctly.
- Ensuring that customers are satisfied with the work done and they have somebody to help if there is a shortcoming with the repair.
How does a Vehicle Body Repairer achieve the standard?
A vehicle body repairer voluntarily undertakes an annual independent audit, where they must pass the CSS details minimum requirements, which certifies that the company have;
- Competent personnel
- Appropriate and well-maintained equipment
- Suitable repair methods
- Quality of repair materials
- Upon passing the audit the repairer will receive the CSS certification
What you should look for when choosing a Repairer?
Choosing a CSS Vehicle body repairer guarantees that the repair will be carried out correctly and completely no short cuts, no compromiseson quality. Only the correct parts are fitted by trained technicians and craftsmen, installed according to the specific recommendations of manufacturers and crash repair experts.