Following a minor road accident, it’s not always easy to know if your car has been damaged. Here are some subtle (and not-so-subtle) warning signs that you should seek out immediate collision repair following a bump, scrape, or crash in Columbia, MO.
7 Signs That Your Vehicle Needs Professional Collision Repair
Fluids Dripping Under Your Car
During a collision, hoses and seals can get cracked or jolted loose, allowing fluids to escape. It’s wise to pay extra attention to the tarmac under your car. If you see a mysterious puddle forming, your motor oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, or differential fluid may be leaking, which would require immediate attention.
Doors No Longer Closing Properly
Most modern cars are designed to divert force from an impact away from the people inside to external crumple zones. This may cause doors and panels to become slightly misaligned. You might notice larger gaps between panels or doors that won’t close properly.
Less Accurate Steering and Handling
If your car’s wheels, brakes, suspension, steering system, or frame have been damaged, your car may feel different and harder to handle. Perhaps a misaligned wheel is now pulling you slightly to one side, or your steering feels looser and less precise.
Excess Vibrations or Bouncing
Impacted wheels and suspension could also heighten vibrations and overall road noise. Seriously damaged shocks or struts may cause your car to bounce or sway when you brake and corner.
Strained Sounds From Your Car
Following a collision, listen carefully to your car. Knocking or clattering sounds from below may mean your exhaust brackets were damaged or another component has been knocked loose. Any odd scraping, grinding, or whining means something needs to be fixed.
Dashboard Warning Lights
Modern cars are designed to pick up on malfunctioning parts and alert the driver. It’s therefore never a good idea to ignore a dashboard warning light, especially following a collision.
External Scratches and Dents
Scratches, dents, cracked windows, and broken lights are the easiest damage to identify. This kind of external damage should be repaired for aesthetic and safety reasons, and also before corrosion sets in.
Need Repairs Following a Collision in Columbia, OH?
Failing to fix collision damage promptly can lead to more serious repair work later on. Your car could also be less safe without you knowing it.
For these reasons, it’s best to have a professional inspect your vehicle promptly. We’re ready and waiting to return your car to pristine condition in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Bring your car along to Joe Machens Auto Body in Columbia, MO, today. Our friendly, experienced mechanics put customer satisfaction and quality service above everything else.
Image Via
Connect with us
