After an auto accident, it is important to have your vehicle looked at by an autobody repair shop. One of the most common types of mistakes that people make is assuming that there is no damage because they do not see any, or assuming there is minimal damage because only a small dent is present. Read on to learn about the common types of hidden damage that may be present after an auto accident that you may not immediately see or notice.
Frame Damage
The frame is the structural component that makes up the foundation of your automobile. Frame damage can occur after a car accident, including minor fender benders, but unfortunately, since your frame is hidden under panels, it can be hard to see that the frame is damaged. A bent or damaged frame can be costly to repair, but is necessary as it can lead to a lot of problems down the road.
Damage to the Trunk
Another part of a car that may sustain hidden damage after an auto accident is the trunk area. Trunk damage is most common after a vehicle has been rear-ended, but can also occur with side-impact collisions. If there is hidden damage to the trunk, your trunk may not be properly aligned. This can make it harder, or impossible, to open and close the trunk, or lead to water damage through the trunk when it rains.
Alignment Issues
Alignment issues can cause your car to pull to one side instead of driving in a straight line. This causes uneven wear to parts of the driving chassis and to tires. After an accident, it is common for alignment issues to be present, but unless you are a professional, you may not realize they are present until you experience uneven wear on your car.
Electrical System Damage
The final common type of hidden damage that may be present after an auto accident is electrical system damage. Sudden jerking or bumps from an impact can loosen parts of your electrical system or impact wires and fuses. After an accident, it is not uncommon for there to be electrical system damage, especially to the electrical components in the area of the vehicle that was hit. While there are times you may immediately realize the electrical system is impacted, there are other times where it can take months for you to realize a component is not working properly.
Having your car inspected by an autobody repair shop after an accident can help ensure there is no hidden damage. At Certified Collision Center, we can help with both inspections and repairs. We also have eight convenient locations throughout Northern California and the Central Valley. Contact one of our shops after an accident to schedule an appointment to have your vehicle inspected.