and how Downtown Garage can help you in Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, Stafford County, and the surrounding areas.
An auto collision can cause multiple damages to your car, some of which you might fail to see right away. Below are examples of damages you might not notice immediately.
Bent Frame
The frame or chassis is the main support structure for the car. Other components of the vehicle attach to the frame. A collision can cause imperceptible damage to the frame. Unfortunately, even minor damage can affect how the other parts of the car attach to the frame. For example, frame damage might:
- Affect wheel alignment
- Affect airbag deployment
- Affect handling and braking
Fortunately, an experienced auto body shop can easily repair frame damage.
Misalignment
A car’s suspension system connects the wheels to the rest of the car. A collision can throw the suspension system out of its usual alignment. Effects of misalignment include:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Uneven tire wear
- Vehicle instability
- Increased wear and tear of suspension parts
Again, misalignment is not something you can walk around the car and notice — unless it is extreme. If you don’t take the car for a checkup, you might only spot the misalignment once further damage has occurred.
Radiator Hose Restriction
The radiator hose plays a critical role in your vehicle’s cooling. The hose carries hot coolant from the radiator to the engine for further cooling, and cold coolant from the engine to the radiator for cooling. A crash can pinch the hose, restricting coolant flow. Reduced coolant flow can allow the engine to overheat and malfunction.
Malfunctions of Monitoring Systems
Modern cars have multiple sensors, some of which operate only under specific conditions. Examples of sensors include:
- Parking sensors
- Tire pressure sensors
- Accident avoidance sensors
- Coolant temperature sensors
A collision can damage some sensors and affect their operation. For a sensor that doesn’t work all the time, such as an accident-avoidance sensor, you might drive a long time without knowing about the malfunction.
Undercarriage Damage
Undercarriage damage is often overlooked because many people don’t check under their cars after an accident. The undercarriage has critical parts of the car, such as:
- Suspension parts, such as struts and joints
- Arm control
- Stabilizer links
- Exhaust system
You may notice severe damage, such as a puncture to the oil pan. However, minor or moderate damage might worsen without your knowledge.
Transmission Damage
The transmission system, which transfers power from the engine to the wheels, has both mechanical and electrical parts. Mechanical damage can affect the transmission system, causing both immediate and long-term problems. For example, you might not notice a transmission fluid leak right away.
Electrical Malfunctions
A crash can also damage the car’s electrical components. Again, depending on the nature of the damage, you might not spot it right away. For example, you might miss loose electrical connections or damaged cable insulation. Such damages might cause further malfunctions, such as electrical short-circuits, down the line.
Seal Damage
Lastly, an auto accident can also damage any of the various seals in your car. Car manufacturers use seals in various parts of the car to keep fluids in or out of specific areas. For example, door or window seals keep water, dirt, and air out of the car. Damage to the seals can allow water to intrude into the car and damage the interior or electrical.
As you can see, you should not rely on your eyes to spot car damage after a crash. Consult an experienced mechanic even if the damage looks minor.
Downtown Garage & Auto Body has the experience you need for collision repairs. If you have been in an accident, get in touch with us so that we can diagnose and repair all the damages — including the ones you can’t see.
