Uncovered Concealed Issues Following Slight Vehicle Accidents: Our Discoveries and Repairs
In the aftermath of a minor car collision, it's not uncommon for drivers to breathe a sigh of relief, assuming that their vehicle has escaped major damage. However, a closer look reveals that hidden damage can often lurk beneath the surface, potentially compromising the safety, performance, and longevity of the vehicle.
One of the primary areas affected by this hidden damage is the vehicle's structure. The frame or structural components may sustain damage that is not visible externally, such as bending, twisting, or misalignment. This can compromise the car's integrity and crashworthiness, making it crucial to have professional inspections to detect these issues early.
Mechanical components, like the suspension, steering system, and drivetrain, can also be affected. These issues may cause handling problems, unusual noises, or uneven tire wear, which are not immediately obvious. Unreliable safety systems can also be a result of driving with hidden damage from a minor accident, potentially putting occupants at risk.
Advanced safety features like parking sensors, lane assist, and automatic braking rely on cameras and sensors that are vulnerable in even small impacts. Hidden damage can lead to reduced resale value of a vehicle and more expensive repairs down the road. Electrical system glitches can occur due to a minor jolt, potentially causing malfunctioning brake lights, strange battery drains, or other electrical issues.
Hood and trunk alignment issues can lead to water leaks, wind noise, and long-term corrosion. Misalignment in the suspension can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced control, and dangerous handling, particularly in winter driving conditions. Poor fuel economy can also result from driving with hidden damage from a minor accident.
To combat these hidden threats, OHS Body Shop employs a comprehensive approach to vehicle inspections. They use a combination of visual assessments, advanced diagnostic tools, and specialized equipment to assess the frame’s alignment and structural integrity, inspect suspension components, steering, electronic safety systems, and perform functional driving tests.
Behind the panels and bumpers, they meticulously check for any signs of damage, ensuring that every repair is thorough and accurate. After any accident, it's important to bring your vehicle in for a full inspection, even if it appears undamaged. At OHS Body Shop, they do not provide rushed estimates or a "that looks good enough" attitude, standing by every repair they do.
Modern vehicles can have hidden damage from minor collisions that may not show up until weeks or months later. By taking the time to thoroughly inspect your vehicle after an accident, you can help ensure that it's restored to safe operating condition and maintain its value for years to come.
- After a minor car collision, hidden damage may lurk beneath the vehicle's surface, potentially compromising its safety, performance, and longevity.
- The vehicle's structure, including the frame or structural components, can sustain damage that is not visible externally, such as bending, twisting, or misalignment.
- Mechanical components like the suspension, steering system, and drivetrain can be affected, leading to handling problems, unusual noises, or uneven tire wear.
- Hidden damage can impair the effectiveness of safety systems, potentially putting occupants at risk and reducing the vehicle's resale value.
- Advanced safety features like parking sensors, lane assist, and automatic braking can be compromised by hidden damage, causing reduced performance or malfunctioning.
- Electrical system glitches can occur due to a minor jolt, potentially causing malfunctioning brake lights, strange battery drains, or other electrical issues.
- OHS Body Shop employs a comprehensive approach to vehicle inspections, using advanced diagnostic tools and specialized equipment to assess the vehicle's structure, suspension, steering, electronic safety systems, and perform functional driving tests.
- To maintain a vehicle's value for years to come, it's essential to bring it in for a full inspection after an accident, even if it appears undamaged.
- By taking the time to thoroughly inspect your vehicle after an accident, you can help ensure that it's restored to safe operating condition, taking care of your vehicle's car-maintenance, lifestyle, and automotive finance associated with transportation.