Minor accidents can cause major damage
Small accidents are the most common kind of accident. The vast majority of drivers on the road have been directly or indirectly involved in a small fender bender once in their lives. They don’t cause much damage and very often drivers are able to drive away from the scene of the accident within an hour.
When fender benders do occur, most drivers will go to their doctor if they feel any pain. Quite a few drivers will go to their doctor even if they don’t feel pain. After all, things like whiplash don’t show symptoms immediately. Yet very few drivers will take their vehicle in for a check-up following an accident unless there are very obvious signs of damage. This is a big mistake.
Even the smallest accidents can have a big impact on your car. And you don’t have to see the damage either. Some of the most dangerous issues can occur underneath or inside the car without you ever knowing about it. The smallest knock can seriously damage the structural reliability of your vehicle, for instance, meaning that the next accident you are involved in could cause serious damage to you and your vehicle.
Some damage may be invisible. But there are also several warning signs if you know to look for them. If you have been involved in a collision, however, small, take your car to a collision repair center if you notice any of the following:
The check engine light flickering
Although many people do, it is never a good idea to ignore your check engine light. The engine is the most important part of your vehicle and unrepaired damage could cause serious (and expensive) issues in the future. Please take your car to a trusted repair shop as soon as you see the engine light go on or flicker.
Your battery going flat quickly
Any kind of electrical issue could signal a severe underlying issue with your car. Whether your car won’t start, your battery dies quickly or your lights don’t seem as bright as they used to be, take your car for a check-up immediately. A collision could have knocked or damaged your battery to cause these issues. This can be fixed quickly but if left unattended it could require you to replace the entire battery.
If you are involved in an accident in the near future, we urge you to take your car to a collision repair specialist as soon as possible. It won’t cost much
Your car veering to one side
If your vehicle pulls or veers to one side while driving your wheels could be out of alignment. This isn’t just annoying, it is potentially very dangerous. Unaligned wheels can cause a host of issues such as slower braking and erratic handling. It may also mean that your car’s chassis has been damaged, which means the vehicle may not be as structurally sound as it should.
A leak under your vehicle
Your car shouldn’t be leaking under any circumstances. Even the smallest accident could cause one of your car’s vital parts to start leaking such as the oil line, the brakes or the radiator. Leaks to any of these systems can seriously impair the car’s drivability and put you at risk of harm. It is a good idea to leave your car on a light colored surface immediately following an accident so you can see if your car is leaking.
When you notice any of these things, bring your car into one of Chaney’s Collision Centers for fast and effective repairs.
