Being involved in an auto collision is a stressful experience and the most unfortunate thing is that a rear-end collision is a type of accident that is rarely caused by you. A rear end collision can not only damage your car, but it can also cause injuries to the occupants. Rear-end collisions typically result in direct or indirect damage. Direct damage is one that is visible to the naked eye while the indirect damage is not visible. You might have the visible damage restored but there are some hidden vehicle damages that you might not see. They are:
1. Alignment problems
If you are driving your car and you notice a difference in the way it handles ion the road, its alignment might be off. Common signs of misalignment include the vehicle pulling to one side, vibrations and a steering wobble. While misalignment might not be the worst that could happen, it can cause additional stress to the tires, brakes, suspension and other car parts causing them to wear out faster than usual. Misalignment does not just cause premature wear and tear, but it can also pose safety hazards. If you feel like your car is misaligned, take it for inspection immediately.
2. Transmission issues
Rear-end collisions not only causes damage to the car body but also impacts the vehicle’s mechanics. Rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles have transmission components located near the rear of the vehicle making them prone to damage in the event of a collision. You should look out for transmission slipping after your accident. When the transmission starts to slip, you will have a hard time accelerating while on the road. You will notice your vehicle is struggling to gain speed.
Other signs of transmission issues you should look out for include difficulty shifting and leaking transmission fluid. Take your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop for an inspection if you notice any of the mentioned signs. You will risk causing more damage to your vehicle by driving it in that state.
3. Problems with the trunk
Your trunk should open and close without an issue, however, after a rear collision the rear cabin components might be damaged, and your trunk can start having problems. While a damaged trunk might not affect the handling of the car, it has a negative impact on the resale value of the car. It can also pose a safety risk if the trunk suddenly opens as you drive. If you notice loose hinges or experience difficulties closing the trunk, you should take your car to a trusted mechanic.
4. Hidden body damage
In some cases, it might appear that your vehicle made a lucky escape after a rear-end collision, but it might have collision damage that is not visible. There might be damage underneath the surface. In most cases, the frame behind the bumper might get damaged because the bumper is plastic and does not offer much protection.
A car’s resale, handling, and operation are at risk when unnoticed damage is not repaired by a professional. Even though there is no visible damage, do not take chances, get it checked out by a mechanic.