After a collision, it’s typically easy to see the superficial damage, and even guess what damage might have done behind it. What’s difficult to tell at first glance is what smaller, yet still significant, secondary issues arose from a collision.
Superficial versus hidden damage
Superficial damage is what can be seen on the car after a collision. This includes dents, scrapes, holes, cracks, and warping. Hidden damage lies inside the mechanisms of the car. It’s what the superficial damage does that affects how the car functions.
Even in small accidents, one might think the superficial damage is all there is, but it’s best to check for additional damage that wouldn’t otherwise be found without visiting an accident collision center.
Example #1: Rear-end damage
Superficial damage
The superficial damage to being rear-ended could look like a dent or a scrape depending on the severity of the accident.
Hidden damage
The dent you might see on the exterior of the vehicle can lead to plenty of internal damage. The first long-term issue is a damaged bumper won’t absorb any more shock from future accidents, so it must be fixed quickly.
Alignment can be affected. This is noticeable if the vehicle is pulling to one side or the other while driving, if the vehicle vibrates, if the steering becomes noisy, and if the steering wheel isn’t aligned properly to where you’re going. Small alignment issues aren’t as severe as long as they’re still fixed.
The car can still be driven to the collision auto body shop. However, misalignment can cause further damage. It adds stress to the brakes, tires, and suspension. If the car is still driven with alignment issues, other factors will begin to deteriorate.
The engine is another car part that can be affected by being rear-ended. One indicator of an issue is if the check engine light comes on, but that alone doesn’t spell out all of the hidden damage, or even what the engine damage is. An accident collision center can pinpoint what’s going on behind the scenes.
Rear-end damage can knock the internal pieces out of place. The exhaust can be thrust forward, damaging the catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, muffler, and engine mount. It’s important for each part in a vehicle to stay where placed during manufacturing to function properly and safely.
Rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles have their transmission parts in the rear of the car, which can also be affected by a rear-end collision. If transmission fluid is leaking, this is a sign the driving functions are affected.
Suspension affects the way a vehicle drives and it’s another factor that can be affected by rear-end impact. Suspension helps with navigating the road, i.e., bumps, steering, and uneven terrain. A problem with the suspension will put stress on the shocks and struts. The car should be taken to an accident collision center for repairs before it further damages other parts of the vehicle or results in dangerous driving conditions.
Example #2: Wheel damage
Superficial damage
The superficial damage, if the wheel(s) of a vehicle hit something, could be dents in the wheel rim or a scrape.
Hidden damage
Unfortunately, even a relatively low impact on a vehicle’s wheels can lead to many problems since it’s directly linked to the car’s frame.
Wheel misalignment can occur from something as small as driving over a pothole, so it’s only worse when there’s a collision that impacts a wheel. Wheel alignment subsequently affects tire wear and tear. If the wheels are no longer aligned properly, the tires will deteriorate at different rates and will need to be replaced sooner.
Front and back tires already wear differently because of how vehicles drive. That’s why collision auto body shops often do tire rotations. However, a collision makes the tires more susceptible to damage. This kind of problem is incredibly hard to notice without having the vehicle inspected by an accident collision center.
The frame of the vehicle will likely have been affected by wheel impact. It’s difficult to notice since the frame is underneath the car, and it takes a mechanic’s expertise to see how the frame might have been affected. The frame supports the entire vehicle, so it can cause significant problems.
Frame damage affects suspension, wheel alignment, support, and more. There are many parts involved with the frame, so if a wheel hits a pothole or a curb at a strange angle, the control arm in the frame can bend, affecting a multitude of other parts.
Example #3: T-Bone damage
Superficial damage
Again, the superficial damage following a t-boning is likely a fair-sized dent, scrapes, and possible broken windows. It all depends on the force of the collision.
Hidden damage
Side damage to a vehicle can cause all of the hidden damage already mentioned, plus more. While vehicles are meant to absorb shock in a collision to keep the driver and passengers safe, it doesn’t mean they can completely withstand the blow.
Wiring can be affected, even if the collision was minor. Wiring controls tail lights, headlights, brake lights, sound systems, batteries, and more. If there are flickering or dead lights, or the electric components of a vehicle aren’t working properly, the wiring has been affected. Mechanics at accident collision centers have the tools and experience to pinpoint where the problem is coming from and how much of the car’s electrical features are impacted.
Whether or not the check engine light is on, it’s still possible pending codes aren’t displaying, especially if the wiring has been damaged. This is another reason to see a collision auto body shop to find out what’s happening on the inside of the vehicle before driving it again.
Hidden damage collision repair near me
It can be worrying after a collision not knowing what might have been affected in the vehicle. A simple dent can lead to all sorts of more serious concerns, but, to the average driver, these concerns are impossible to see. Book an appointment at Simplicity Car Care to have the experts inspect the car and take the stress off your back.
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