5 Signs Your Car Requires Emergency Collision Repair After a Crash
Accidents are an unavoidable part of life on the road, whether they’re minor fender benders or more serious collisions. In their aftermath, it can be tempting to overlook minor damages or assume that your vehicle is still roadworthy. However, even seemingly insignificant damage can compromise the safety, functionality, and longevity of your vehicle. Recognizing the signs that your vehicle requires immediate collision repair is crucial to ensure your safety and avoid further complications.
Pat’s Body Shop Inc. specializes in evaluating and rectifying accident damage. This step-by-step guide will take you through the five most crucial signs that your car requires urgent collision repair, explaining why immediate action is necessary and how expert assistance will allow you to save money, time, and stress in the long run.
Overlooked need for crash repair jeopardizes not just your safety but increases the cost of repairs and lowers the performance of your car. The small dent or an unusual noise once ignored can quickly become a huge and serious problem with the structural integrity of the mechanical system of your car. Collision damage must be addressed as soon as possible to ensure your car remains roadworthy, safe, and retains its value, so driving becomes less stressful for you.
1. Visible Cosmetic Damage
The most common indication of collision damage is easily apparent to the naked eye. With an accident, even a cursory inspection can be used to spot denting, scratching, or breaking off parts of the visible exterior of your car.
Types of Visible Damage:
- Dents and Scratches: Though minor, dents can quickly become a corrosive case and leave the surface vulnerable to rust formation if not corrected as soon as possible. Furthermore, scratches penetrating the paint expose the underlying metal to atmospheric water and air.
- Cracked or Broken Glass: Windshields, rear-view mirrors, and side windows are all essential to your safety. Cracks or chips found in these can rapidly spread, obscuring your view and compromising their structural integrity.
- Bumper Damage: Designed to absorb impact, a damaged bumper cannot provide the protection it is supposed to in future collisions.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait:
Visible damage left unchecked can cause problems such as rust or structural weakness to grow, which will force you to spend even more money. Beyond aesthetics, uninherited exterior damage can mean functional problems, such as a damaged bumper impairing impact safety.
2. Alignment Problems
You might not notice it immediately, but another possible sign of post-collision damage is misalignment. In case your car pulls to one side or its steering feels off-center, then the alignment might have been disrupted during the accident.
General Symptoms of Misalignment:
- Drifting Toward One Side: At times, the car tends to steer to one side even when driving in a straight line.
- Off-Center Steering Wheel: The car’s steering wheel feels crooked, or vibrates while driving.
- Uneven Tire Wear: This could lead to uneven or premature tire wear, affecting the gripping power and hence safety.
Hazards of Misaligned Wheels:
The ride is uncomfortable. Driving in a poorly aligned vehicle affects your ability to steer through sharp turns and may not be stopped quickly in an emergency. It could also take a pretty penny to get everything fixed in the form of worn-out tires and suspension damage.
At Pat’s Body Shop Inc., we apply advanced alignment tools to return your vehicle to perfect balance so that you are guaranteed perfect handling throughout and stay safe on the road.
3. Dashboard Warning Lights
Contemporary cars have very advanced sensors in them that monitor various systems of the vehicle. Most commonly, after a collision, your dashboard may light up with lots of warnings, signaling a potential problem needing immediate attention.
Common Warning Lights:
- Airbag Light: This means that there has either been a deployment or malfunction in the airbag system. Although airbags did not deploy during the collision, this does not mean that sensors or wiring is okay.
- Check Engine Light: It can indicate everything from relatively minor issues to serious engine damage due to the impact.
- ABS or Brake System Warning: This kind of light can pop on due to a damaged braking system, warning of potential safety concerns.
Immediate Action Is Essential:
Ignoring warning lights can lead to severe mechanical failures. For instance, a faulty airbag system will never deploy in a future accident, and unresolved engine issues can cause a breakdown or diminished efficiency.
Our technicians at Pat’s Body Shop Inc. utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to pinpoint the source of warning lights and swiftly address underlying problems.
4. Strange Noises or Vibrations
The sounds and vibrations from your car can convey underlying problems after an accident, often signaling hidden damage.
Sounds to Watch Out For:
- Squealing or Grinding: Indicates brake or suspension damage that may compromise safety.
- Knocking or Clicking: This usually stems from axle or steering system issues that worsen with continued use.
- Hissing or Whistling: This could indicate a cracked radiator or air intake leak, which might cause an engine to overheat or run less than optimally.
The Risk of Ignoring Noises:
An unusual noise can rapidly and silently transform into costly damage if attention is not given promptly. For instance, broken suspension can cause uneven wear to the tires, while a radiator leak can cause an engine to overheat and fail.
If you suspect abnormal sounds or vibration of any kind, bring your car to Pat’s Body Shop Inc. for examination. Our experts are able to diagnose the root cause and bring your car back to like-new shape.
5. Frame Damage
The car’s backbone is actually the frame, which supports the structure and a foundation for all other components. Unfortunately, one of the worst collision damages is that it can cause damage to the frame.
Symptoms of Frame Damage
- Bends or Cracks: Check the undercarriage or see if there are visible distortions in the frame.
- Misaligned Doors, Hood, or Trunk: Difficulty in opening or closing them usually means a distorted frame.
- Wobbly or Unstable Ride: When a ride shakes, wobbles, or drives erratically, that may be a sign of frame damage.
Why Frame Repair Is Important
Damage to the frame threatens your safety. It could compromise the performance of crash protection, alignment, and suspension. As advanced equipment operators, we at Pat’s Body Shop Inc. have the expertise to properly inspect and repair your vehicle frame damage.
Why Prompt Collision Repair is Important
Although delaying collision repair seems to save some money, it usually creates larger problems later on. Here are some reasons why collision damage must be dealt with as soon as possible:
- Better Safety
Driving a damaged vehicle compromises your safety and that of your passengers. Faulty brakes, alignment issues, or a weakened frame can lead to accidents, particularly in adverse weather or emergency situations. - Avoiding Worse Damage
Damage can worsen over time. For example, minor dents can lead to rust spreading on the body, and a small misalignment of wheels can destroy suspension parts. - Maintain Vehicle Worth
Deterioration from collisions significantly reduces your resale value. Even cosmetic damages will be seen as neglecting the vehicle or hiding deeper problems by dealers or potential buyers. - Insurance Coverage
Qualified repairs and inspections keep you compliant with your insurance company. Delaying repairs could lead to disputes over coverage, costing you money out-of-pocket.
Why Choose Pat’s Body Shop Inc.
Our commitment to providing state-of-the-art collision repair is dedicated to getting you back on the road as soon as possible. Here’s why Pat’s Body Shop Inc. is a trusted leader among vehicle owners:
- Competent Technicians: Our staff is well-trained and experienced in dealing with any type of collision damage.
- Advanced Tools: From computerized diagnostics to precision frame straightening tools, we use the latest technology to guarantee accurate repairs.
- Assisting with Insurance: We are partnered with most major insurance companies, which can make claims easier and quicker for you.
- Lifetime Warranty: With pride in our work, all repairs come with a lifetime warranty to ensure you can drive with confidence.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We keep you informed throughout the repair process and deliver results that exceed expectations.
What to Do Immediately Following an Accident
Being involved in an accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but taking the right steps immediately after can make the repair process much smoother and far less stressful. Here’s what you should do:
1. Ensure Safety
First and foremost, prioritize safety. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call emergency services if needed. If your vehicle is drivable, move it to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further incidents. Always turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Document the Damage
Once you’re safe, thoroughly document the accident scene. Take clear photos of your vehicle, any other vehicles involved, and any property damage. Capture different angles to provide a complete picture of insurance claims. Don’t forget to photograph the license plates, road conditions, and any visible skid marks or debris.
3. Exchange Information
If other people are involved in the accident, exchange your information, including your contact and insurance details. Be polite and cooperative, but avoid discussing fault or what occurred until police or your insurer arrive.
4. Contact Your Insurance
Reach out to your insurance provider immediately. Inform them about any details of the accident, including photographs and information you have gathered. They will guide you on the best way to make a claim and what to do next.
5. Schedule an Inspection with Pat’s Body Shop Inc.
Bring your vehicle to us for a comprehensive assessment of the damage. Our expert team will evaluate both visible and hidden issues, walking you through the proper repair process. We will also assist with insurance claims for a hassle-free experience.
By following these steps, you can ensure your safety, protect your rights, and restore your vehicle efficiently and effectively. Save yourself the stress—let Pat’s Body Shop Inc. take up the challenge and help you get back on the road with confidence.
Conclusion
Knowing the indications that your vehicle needs immediate collision repair can prevent minor damage from escalating into major problems. Whether your vehicle has a visible dent, alignment problem, flashing warning lights, uncommon noises, or even a broken frame, addressing these issues early ensures your safety, protects your investment, and maintains your vehicle’s performance.
Pat’s Body Shop Inc. is equipped with precision and care to get your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. If you’ve been involved in an accident and recognize any of these signs, don’t wait—call us today to schedule an expert inspection.
Let us help you get back behind the wheel with confidence and peace of mind. Call us today!