After a vehicle accident, it’s crucial to identify the signs indicating the need for professional collision repair. Even minor incidents can lead to significant underlying damage, which, if unaddressed, can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle. Recognizing these signs early can save you from future costly repairs and maintain the safety and longevity of your car.
This article will explore key indicators that necessitate professional attention from a collision repair shop.
Visible Damage To Body And Paint
The most obvious sign that your vehicle requires professional collision repair is visible damage to the body. Dents, scratches, and crumpled panels are clear indicators. While small dents and scratches might seem cosmetic, they can lead to more serious issues like rust and structural damage if not properly treated. All of our locations at Auto Body Xperts have the tools and expertise to restore the integrity and aesthetics of your car’s bodywork.
Misalignment And Difficulty Driving
If you notice that your vehicle pulls to one side or if the steering feels unusually heavy, it might be suffering from alignment issues. Misalignment can stem from a collision impacting the car’s suspension system or frame. Driving a misaligned vehicle can cause uneven tire wear and put additional stress on the vehicle’s structure, which can lead to more significant problems.
Unusual Noises
Uncommon sounds such as rattling, grinding, or squeaking, especially from the underside of the car, can indicate loose or damaged components following an accident. It’s essential to have these sounds checked by professionals like those at our Body Shop. Our Xpert technicians can identify the specific parts that are damaged and repair them before they lead to more severe issues.
Fluid Leaks
Post-collision, if you notice new leaks under your vehicle, this could be a sign of cracked or broken components like the oil pan, transmission case, or coolant system. Ignoring leaks can lead to critical fluid loss, overheating, or mechanical failure.
Electrical Issues
Accidents can often jar or damage a vehicle’s electrical system, leading to issues such as malfunctioning lights, battery problems, or unresponsive dashboard warnings. If you experience any electrical irregularities post-accident, it’s crucial to visit a specialist to ensure your vehicle’s electrical system is fully operational and safe.
Door Or Window Troubles
If your car’s doors or windows are not functioning correctly after an accident — for instance, if a door won’t open or a window won’t close — this can be a sign of frame damage or misalignment. This type of damage can compromise the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety. Our technicians are skilled in realigning and repairing frame issues to restore the proper function and security of your doors and windows.
Warning Lights
Pay attention to any new dashboard warning lights that illuminate after an accident, such as the check engine light, airbag light, or any other system warning signals. These lights are designed to alert you to various issues, including potentially serious problems. At Auto Body Xperts, we are able to run diagnostic tests to understand exactly what these warnings mean and address them accordingly.
If you have any concerns or signs of collision damage, our team would be happy to assist you in any way, shape, or form!
Holland – (616)-393-9363
Hudsonville – (616)-669-6692
Zeeland – (616)-931-7140
Wayland – (269)-792-9408
Byron Center – (616)-878-1562