Even if your car looks fine after a collision, there may be hidden damage in the frame, alignment, mechanical systems, or safety sensors, which can compromise your vehicle’s performance and safety. You should always have a professional Denver collision center inspect your car to ensure that these unseen issues are identified and repaired, saving you money and providing peace of mind.
The National Security Council (NSC) estimates that every year, there are over 41,000 car crashes. If you’ve been in a fender bender yourself, then you might count yourself lucky that you’re walking away unscathed. After a quick check of your vehicle, you’re also grateful that it seems to be relatively unscathed.
But just because there’s no visible damage doesn’t necessarily mean that your car is okay. In fact, there may be hidden damage that warrants a visit to a Denver collision center.
Read on to see what hidden damage is possible and how collision repair specialists can find and fix these for you.
What Unseen Damage Can a Rear-End Collision Cause?
Many car owners may be surprised to learn this, but rear-end collisions can cause internal damage that isn’t immediately visible, even at low speeds. Even if you don’t see obvious dents, scratches, or broken parts, your vehicle’s internal structure may be misaligned and/or weakened.
This is because the energy created by the impact will travel through the car’s frame. As a result, the suspension and mechanical systems can be compromised.
Can Being Rear-Ended Mess Up the Alignment?
Yes, a rear-end collision can knock your wheels out of alignment, as the impact can shift the suspension components or bend the frame. So after the accident, you might think everything’s fine since your vehicle may drive normally at first.
However, the alignment can still be off, and this can lead to:
- Premature tire wear
- Poor handling
- Added strain on steering and suspension parts
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Rear-End Alignment?
So how can you determine if you have bad alignment after being rear-ended? These are the main symptoms:
- The car pulls to one side while driving
- Uneven tire wear patterns
- Vibrations in the steering wheel
- Crooked steering wheel when driving straight
Don’t ignore these issues, as they can worsen over time.
How Hidden Frame and Structural Issues Affect Safety
Again, a pristine exterior doesn’t say much after an accident. There may be:
- Hidden cracks
- Bends
- Weakened welds
All of the above can reduce your car’s ability to protect you in a future accident. This makes it essential for you to schedule a car accident inspection. Professionals can use frame-measuring tools and diagnostic systems to detect any of these problems, and they’ll fix them before they become dangerous.
The Impact of Hidden Mechanical Damage
You might want to skip a vehicle safety inspection to save money, but don’t do this. The initial collision can cause stress on your car’s mechanical systems, and these are the potential things that can happen:
- A jolt that damages the radiator or hoses can lead to leaks
- The drivetrain can suffer from vibrations caused by misalignment
- The exhaust pipes can shift and affect performance and emissions
What Is Collision Repair?
Collision repair is a process to restore a vehicle to its pre-accident condition. This involves both cosmetic and mechanical repairs, so as you can imagine, it goes beyond fixing minor dents and scratches.
An expert collision repair body shop will use the following to discover and address hidden damage:
- Diagnostic scans
- Alignment equipment
- Frame-straightening machines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Airbags Be Affected Even if They Didn’t Deploy in the Crash?
Yes, your airbags may be affected, even if they didn’t deploy. The impact can be enough to damage the sensors or wiring, and this can prevent them from deploying correctly in the future.
Is It Safe to Keep Driving if My Car Looks Fine After a Minor Collision?
No, it’s not always safe to keep driving, even if your car looks fine after a small crash. Hidden damage in the following places can make it unsafe and lead to worsening problems over time:
- Frame
- Suspension
- Alignment
How Soon Should I Get My Car Inspected After an Accident?
It’s always best to schedule a post-accident vehicle check as soon as possible, and it’s one of our top tips for steps to take after a collision. If you wait, hidden issues may get worse. Not only does this increase your safety risks, but it also raises repair costs.
Will My Insurance Cover Hidden Collision Damage?
Most insurance policies will cover hidden damage if you can find a direct connection to the collision. However, it won’t be easy to get coverage, as you’ll need an official inspection and documentation from a collision center.
Can Hidden Car Damage Affect My Vehicle’s Resale Value?
Yes. In fact, unrepaired collision damage can reduce your car’s resale value significantly, even if the damage isn’t visible.
Also, buyers and dealerships often run diagnostics and inspections before purchasing. So don’t think about hiding the damage.
Do Low-Speed Fender Benders Really Cause Serious Damage?
Yes, low-speed fender benders can still cause serious damage. For example, you may see the following, which can compromise your vehicle’s safety:
- Misalignments
- Sensor malfunctions
- Small structural weaknesses
Use the Best Denver Collision Center Around
As you can see, you should always have your vehicle promptly inspected after an accident, even if it seems like a minor fender bender that hasn’t caused any damage. There are many things that may have happened to your car, and they’re not always immediately visible, so driving with these issues can put you and your passengers at risk.
So come to our Denver collision center and have your vehicle thoroughly inspected. Our experts will ensure that you get back on the road safely.
Would you like an expert’s eye on your vehicle post-accident, and are you looking for “collision repair near me”? Then book your appointment with us now. Prestige Imports Collision Center has over 30 years of experience in collision repair, and we have 17 specialized technicians and estimators on staff.
