After a crash, people often assume that their vehicle is fine if there is little cosmetic damage. While the bumper and chassis may be intact, that doesn’t mean you don’t need collision repair. Below are four types of damage that often go unnoticed, but require immediate repairs to ensure that the vehicle is safe to take out on the road. 

4 Typical Forms of Collision Damage

1. Trunk Issues

Many drivers don’t inspect their trunk after getting into a crash. They may not notice until later that the trunk won’t open or doesn’t stay locked. This issue isn’t just an annoyance. A broken trunk can pose a safety hazard as the trunk may pop open while you’re driving and cause a second accident.

2. Misaligned Wheels 

Whether you hit another car or bumped into a fixed object, many vehicles require wheel realignment after a crash. It’s essential to have correctly aligned wheels, so your car is responsive to the steering wheel and to prevent unnecessary wear on the tires. 

3. Dashboard Codes

It’s common to have illuminated diagnostic codes on the dashboard after a crash. Always drive to a collision repair shop or have a towtruck transport the vehicle so professionals can inspect the issues. They’ll be able to tell if the lights are electrical malfunctions caused by the crash or if they’re indicating issues that require attention.

4. Light Troubles

Vehicle owners must ensure their headlights, taillights, and brake lights are working before operating their cars. If you don’t see broken glass after an accident, you may not realize that the lights need collision repair. Get to a safe place away from traffic and assess that all of the lights and turn signals are working before getting back behind the wheel.

Vehicle owners interested in collision repair should contact Jerry Ernst Auto Body in Cincinnati, OH. The Better Business Bureau-accredited company has been in the industry for over 30 years, and their certified technicians offer a lifetime warranty on their work. Call the Hamilton County location at (513) 871-7200 or visit the website for information on their competitive pricing on services like color matching custom paint jobs, headlight installation, and computerized diagnostics.