7 Common Signs Of Car Damage After An Accident

Not all signs of car damage are obvious immediately after an accident or collision – some issues can take time to become apparent if you’re not actively searching for them. At Sunroad Collision Center, we know full well that small imperfections can snowball into major issues requiring extensive repairs if left unchecked. Here are seven signs of damage to look for after an accident, plus tips for spotting hidden impairments that may not be outright visible.

7 Signs of Car Damage After an Accident

1. Leaking Fluids

Leaking fluids is one of the most obvious signs of car damage after an accident. If you notice puddles or even more minor drippings under your automobile, they need to be addressed immediately – they can indicate leaking oil, coolant, transmission fluid, or even brake fluid.

2. Visible Frame or Body Damage

While visible frame and body damage sound like obvious signs, it can also be tempting to overlook what appears to be minor cosmetic imperfections. However, small dents in your car’s bumper or cracks in the body paneling shouldn’t be ignored, as they may be hiding more serious structural issues underneath.

3. New Dashboard Warning Lights

After an accident, keep a close eye on your dashboard. If you start to notice warning lights that weren’t on before, like the check engine light, airbag light, or others, you should have your vehicle looked at. These lights can be red flags, especially when they start appearing after an accident.

4. Improper Door, Hood, or Trunk Latching

Problems with door, hood, and trunk latching can signify bent or otherwise disfigured portions of your vehicle’s frame. If you notice that it takes more force to close a door, it’s difficult to latch the hood or trunk, or if anything appears to be misaligned, visit Sunroad Collision Center or your local repair shop for an inspection.

5. Misaligned Steering

Is your car pulling to one side when you drive? Is the steering wheel off-center when you’re driving straight? These can be signs of a few different types of damage, such as worn suspension or steering parts, wheel misalignment, or uneven tire pressure. Over time, this can cause uneven tire wear and suspension complications, so it’s best to correct these issues as soon as possible.

6. Wheel Damage or Uneven Tire Wear

While bent rims are one of the more obvious signs of car damage, more subtle issues like uneven tire wear can signal hidden complications. As mentioned above, uneven tire wear can point to wheel misalignment or structural compromise. If you notice certain wheels wearing down faster than others, have your automobile inspected for the cause.

7. Unusual Noises or Vibrations

Does your car rattle, vibrate, or make unusual noises while driving? If you hear a new clunking or grinding, or if it just doesn’t drive as smoothly as it used to, something could be wrong internally. Although noises and vibrations might be subtle, they’re rarely harmless, especially if they start to occur after an accident.

Signs of Hidden Car Damage

Not all signs of car damage are easy to spot. Some of the most serious problems happen beneath the surface. If you’re not actively looking for them, they can go unnoticed, potentially leading to even more extensive complications down the road. Here are some hidden indicators to check your model for:

• Alignment Issues: Alignment issues can remain hidden, especially if your vehicle seems to drive fine. A key indicator is uneven tire wear, but most people don’t regularly check their tires.
• Electrical Problems: If you experience flickering lights or a glitchy backup camera or radio, you may have a short, loose wiring, or another electrical malfunction.
• Hidden Frame Damage: Not all frame damage is obvious, but it can significantly impact the safety of your car. If you’ve been in an accident, have your automobile inspected for hidden structural problems.

How To Assess Car Damage

If you’ve been in any kind of collision, it’s important to know that not all damage is immediately obvious. You might not hear a weird noise or see a fluid leak right away, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t problems lurking beneath the surface.

At Sunroad Collision Center, we know exactly what to look for. We have a state-of-the-art facility and use the latest diagnostics tools to look for hidden complications. Not only that, but we also offer free estimates, and we work with many insurance companies to make the vehicle repair process as seamless as possible for you.

If you’re worried about hidden issues after an accident, give us a call today. Before you take your car to a collision center like ours, learn whether you should drive or tow your car after an accident.