When you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, you’ll need to inform your insurance company of the damage your car has incurred. Before any work is done to your car, a collision repair expert will look closely for any underlying signs of damage, and the insurance adjuster will perform an appraisal as well. Although both of these professionals are trained to spot body issues, you know your car best. It’s important to do your own comprehensive check, scoping out the vehicle for the following issues in particular.

5 Types of Post-Accident Vehicle Issues

1. Dents & Dings

Large dents from serious impacts are easy to see. Minor dents, on the other hand, can be difficult to spot, especially in certain lighting. Check all surfaces of your vehicle, checking from different angles to avoid overlooking small dings obscured by sun glare.

2. Scratches

Like small dents and dings, scratches can also be challenging to spot with the naked eye. An unblemished surface will look and feel smooth, so inspect your paint for any areas of dullness. Then, feel for scratches or small dings. A dependable collision repair shop will also perform a close assessment to identify even minor blemishes.

3. Alignment Issue

A car accident can alter your wheel alignment or potentially damage the vehicle’s suspension and steering system. If you find your car veers off to one direction or your steering wheel is off-center despite driving straight, it could indicate an alignment issue that will need to be repaired.

4. Frame Problems

If your doors, hood, or trunk no longer shut or open properly, your car may have sustained frame damage. Frame work is among the most complex types of collision repair to perform, but leaving it unaddressed could drastically reduce the value of the car. 

5. Windshield or Light Damage

While visible body damage and performance issues are important to watch for, it’s also critical to look for any issues that could cause problems down the road. For instance, a cracked headlight could lead to water damage, and even a small windshield blemish can spread and compromise the entire pane later.

Whether your vehicle has been involved in a minor fender bender or it’s incurred more extensive damage after an accident, you can trust Chris Paint and Body to restore it to its former glory. These collision repair experts have been serving drivers in Guilford County, NC, with quality auto body services since 1981. See before-and-after examples of their flawless work by visiting their website or call (336) 847-4006 to set up an estimate.