Lots of people have found themselves in a similar situation to this one: You’re waiting at a stoplight when suddenly, someone rear-ends you out of nowhere. Luckily, they weren’t going that fast, or maybe they were already stopped behind you but let their foot off the brake too early. Either way, you get out to examine the damage and realize it’s minimal. You exchange insurance information anyway to be safe, and then you head to work or home and feel relieved knowing the damage wasn’t more extensive.
The problem with even minor collisions like this example is there’s often hidden damage within the car itself that isn’t immediately visible. Find out some potential hidden signs of vehicle damage after an accident.
Lights And Other Electrical Malfunctions
Always check the operation of your brake lights, taillights, turn signals and headlights following a collision. If any of them don’t work, it’s a sign of internal damage.
Other electrical components to check include car speakers and interior lights. Even the most minor of accidents can force a wire out of place.
Vehicle Frame
Perform a visual check of the alignment of your vehicle after your minor accident. An easy way to do it is to measure the distance between the fender or bumper and the wheels — if there’s only 5 fingers of distance on one side but 7 on the other, for instance, that’s a sign there’s some damage to the frame.
Transmission Damage
This sign of damage is not apparent visually, but you’ll notice it while driving. If you find you’re having difficulty accelerating while driving down the road, it could be a sign of transmission slippage. Other transmission damage signs include:
- Leaking transmission fluid
- Difficulty shifting to the next gear
- Whining, clunking or humming noises
- Transmission feeling unresponsive
- Check Engine Light illuminated
Tires
While uneven tire wear is a sign that your vehicle is out of alignment, it can also mean that your vehicle’s body has been damaged during your minor accident. For instance, if it’s not pulling to one side but the steering wheel is off-center, that’s a sign there’s vehicle body damage.
Leaking Fluids
Your vehicle contains essential fluids that help it run the way it’s supposed to, including oil, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. If you notice any leaks, even small ones, that’s a sign there’s internal collision damage that needs to be repaired.
At Heritage Collision, we provide premier collision repair services after an accident through our easy 4-step process. Our experienced vehicle technicians can inspect your vehicle thoroughly to ensure all minor leaks are identified and repaired. We’ll check the entire body of your vehicle for possible hidden damage, as well as the engine, transmission and electrical components
Contact Heritage Collision For Comprehensive Car Repairs
If you’ve been involved in a minor accident, you can count on Heritage Collision to provide quality auto body repair services and paintless dent repair. We’re family-owned and -operated and proud to have served residents of Washtenaw County for generations. If you can’t make it to the shop to drop off your car, we offer courtesy drop-off and pick-up services for your convenience. To start the process by getting a quote, call 734-975-4600 in Ypsilanti or 734-327-7500 in Ann Arbor.
