Rear-end collisions make up one-third all car accidents. You may have experienced a car accident where someone struck your parked vehicle or another type of collision. Accidents can cause visible damage to your vehicle, but they also often leave hidden damage. Both the driver and auto body shops may miss this damage.
If the hidden damage in a car accident is not discovered and repaired, it can lead to major problems down the road. You might think that damage isn’t there if it’s not visible.It’s not always the case. If you see any damage, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible.
This article will give you an overview of some of the hidden damages that are often found following a car crash. It will also tell you what to do if this happens.
1. Frame Damage
The frame of a vehicle is the main structural support. Your car’s frame can be thought of as its skeleton. The frame provides structural support and helps align the wheels. It also holds the suspension and supports the radiator. The term “frame damage” refers to any structural component of the vehicle’s frame that has been damaged. Plastic bumpers are standard on most cars. They don’t provide much protection to the frame and can leave your car vulnerable to internal frame damage in the event of an accident.
It’s important to take your vehicle to a collision expert if you suspect that there is hidden frame damage. This will allow the car’s condition to be assessed and professionally evaluated. A collision expert can diagnose internal frame damage and its potential effects, including misalignment or doors that don’t close properly.
2. Trunk Damage
After a rear-end crash, hidden bumper damage and concealed trunk damage are both common. Angle and speed can affect the type of damage that your vehicle receives. However, in general, the bumper or trunk will take the brunt.
There are many types of trunk damage that may not be obvious.
- Problems with lock-mechanism
- Opening difficultly
- Sealing and moisture problems
- Lids opening unexpectedly
This can cause frustration, and in some cases distracted driving. Especially when the trunk lid suddenly opens while you are driving. You should take these issues to a collision shop as soon you can.
3. Alignment issues
Misalignment can be a common problem after many different types of accidents. Even a seemingly minor car accident can cause alignment issues. You may notice that your alignment has changed after an accident.
The following symptoms are common in misaligned joints:
- The vehicle pulling or favoring one side
- The steering wheel wobbles
- Strange vibrations
- Noisy steering
- Tires that squeal
If left unattended, poor alignment will eventually lead to more serious problems. Tires, brakes and suspension, as well as other parts of your car, are put under excessive stress. This causes them to wear much more quickly than they would otherwise. It’s not only a wise safety decision to fix alignment problems immediately after an accident. You can also save money by not having to replace or repair other parts of your vehicle sooner than necessary.
4. Electrical System Damage
Even a minor car accident with low impact can loosen wires that are connected to tail lights, headlights and other vehicle components. It can affect the electrical systems, which are essential to keep your car running. Minor problems can become major ones over time if they are not repaired by professionals.
These loose wire connections can impact your brake lights and taillights, which could cause serious collisions. They could also affect your sound system, or stop your battery from working, preventing your car to be able to start.
It may be difficult to see, but these hidden damages to your electrical system can seriously affect the ability of your vehicle to operate and get you to where you want to go. You’d rather be safe than regret and have the car checked by a certified collision expert.
5. Rust
We’ve seen that minor car damage can cause more serious problems in the long run. Small scratches on your car’s frame, for example, can lead to paint rubbing off over time, exposing bare metal. This will eventually cause rust to build up.
Rust is simply another name for ferrous oxide. Iron oxide is formed when any metal containing iron, such as steel in your car, is exposed to oxygen.Rust eats at your car’s metal over time. It can make your car look unsightly and weaken its frame.
Unrepaired scratches can weaken the main structural support of your car. Early repair is better for both your vehicle and your wallet.
Bill’s Auto Body Repair: Contact us Today for Hidden Damages
Bill’s Auto Body, a leader in local auto collision repairs, has earned a solid reputation over the years. Give us a call today and let us help you repair your car.
