Minor collision repair can include a variety of services. Minor collisions can cause serious damage to your vehicle. In some cases, the damage after a minor collision is like an iceberg; you only see part of the damage, and the rest is hidden beneath the surface. Here are some services you may need to complete a collision repair.
1. Your Transmission
The transmission of your vehicle is an essential component. If your transmission is damaged during a minor collision, it must be repaired to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle. A good collision repair expert will not stop the evaluation based on what they can see. They look under the hood and beyond to ensure all damage is listed and repaired.
Transmission repair should be addressed. The transmission is charged with moving your vehicle back and forth. Damage caused by a minor collision could shake the transmission parts and components loose. If the problem is not addressed, the problem will get worse.
Minor collision repair that includes repairing your transmission will help to reduce the risk of bigger problems down the road. If the problem goes unaddressed, it is likely that your transmission will completely fail in the future. This complete failure will result in big costs.
It is always best to prevent further damage. Taking your chances with a faulty transmission can find you stuck on the side of the road with a vehicle that will not move. The right collision repair shop will ensure your transmission is safe and reliable. Car repair after a minor collision sometimes requires a comprehensive approach to protect your vehicle from further damage.
2. Axles and Wheels
One of a vehicle’s most frequently damaged areas after a minor collision is the axles and wheels. Minor collision repair can address this type of damage. The axle and the wheels on your vehicle play a vital role in driver safety.
A local auto body shop specializing in minor collision repair will evaluate your axles and wheels to determine if any repairs need to be made. A frequent type of collision that can damage wheels and axles is “curb rubbing”. Curb rubbing occurs when you are trying to park and hit the curb. This can be unsightly. but repairs are often easy enough.
These minor accidents can still cause damage to your wheels. When wheels are bent or damaged, it affects the safety of your vehicle. It also affects the appearance of your vehicle. If the axle is bent in the process, more serious damage will require professional repair.
Auto alignment services after a minor collision are highly recommended, especially if the wheels or axle are damaged. An alignment after a minor accident can ensure driver control and safety. It’s essential that these areas of your vehicle are completely inspected for safe operation. Certified collision repair shops will ensure your vehicle is safe and ready to roll.
3. Damaged Engine
Unfortunately, a damaged engine may result from a minor collision. You may require emergency towing after a collision, even if the damage seems minor because of engine damage. The force of the impact from the collision can cause damage to your engine.
A local auto body repair shop specializing in collision repair can evaluate the problem. You may notice fluid leaking from your engine after a collision or hear a strange noise when you try to start the engine. Even when the impact is not major, it can still affect the engine. Signs such as these should indicate your vehicle needs immediate attention.
We talked about axle damage. In some cases, axle damage can affect the frame of the vehicle and ultimately cause damage to the engine. The engine in any vehicle is engineered for each component to work in harmony. When a component is loosened because of a collision, that can affect your engine.
Engine repair after a collision may be necessary. A minor engine repair after a collision will protect your engine from greater damage. The best way to eliminate a potential problem with your engine is to ensure it has been inspected. A minor collision repair shop can ensure your engine is safe and reliable. They can make any necessary repairs.
4. Malfunctioning Muffler
A malfunctioning muffler after a minor collision is a recipe for disaster. It is strongly suggested that you consider a car towing service to take the vehicle to a certified minor collision repair shop. You should not drive a vehicle with a malfunctioning muffler.
A muffler plays a vital role in the function of your vehicle. In a collision, the muffler can sustain damage, which can affect your vehicle’s performance. A muffler is a part of the exhaust system. The exhaust system moves noxious gases created by engine operation out of the vehicle. Enough damage will allow these gases to escape before treatment, which leads to further pollution of our environment.
The exhaust system is intricately linked to engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions control. Damage to the muffler can disrupt the proper functioning of the vehicle, leading to decreased engine efficiency, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. A damaged muffler can put extra wear and tear on the engine.
Additionally, a damaged muffler is a safety issue for the vehicle’s driver and passengers. A damaged muffler can cause exhaust leaks. Harmful gases like carbon monoxide can leak into vehicles. A malfunctioning muffler is a serious health threat. Muffler replacement is the solution if your muffler has been damaged in an accident. Not addressing the problem immediately can cause further damage to your vehicle. The right shop will check your exhaust system after a rear-end collision to ensure your muffler was not damaged. If it is, they can replace or repair the muffler.
5. Large Dents and Body Damage
It does not take a huge impact to cause large dents and body damage. Although less severe than in a major collision, the force of impact can still dent the body panels, bend metal components, or crack plastic parts. Minor collision repair can fix the problem.
When evaluating an auto insurance quote, most people look for the lowest price but don’t fully consider what can happen in even a minor collision. With the right auto insurance, you are covered against the cost of repairs, including large dents and body damage. Contrary to popular belief, minor collisions can cause major body damage and if you are not insured for such incidents, it can be expensive to repair.
Today’s modern vehicles are made to be lightweight. Unfortunately, lightweight panels and other body parts are prone to serious damage, even in the case of minor impacts. Even a minor collision can cause misalignment of body panels and components. This misalignment can result in gaps between panels, uneven lines, and difficulty opening or closing doors and trunk lids.
A minor collision may not cause catastrophic damage to your vehicle but can have enough force to cause body damage and dents. The dents and damage can affect the look of your vehicle, and how the vehicle functions. A minor collision repair shop can address the problems, make repairs, and return your vehicle to you in as good as new condition.
6. Severe Damage
Many times, a vehicle is severely damaged in very low-speed collisions. A collision repair shop has the expertise to fix severe damage, but you may decide it is not worth the cost. Depending on your type of insurance, the insurance company may only cover a part of the costs to repair the vehicle or none of the costs.
If you find yourself in a situation where the damage is extensive and the cost outweighs the value of the vehicle, you can sell your car for cash. There are businesses that pay cash for any vehicle in any condition. While this won’t fix your vehicle, it will get you the money you need to purchase another vehicle. Severe damage can be both mechanical and body damage.
Usually, if a vehicle is severely damaged, it will have both body and mechanical damage. This type of damage can be fixed, but you need to consider several factors when deciding to fix it. For example, how old the vehicle is, how many miles the vehicle has, and whether there were any problems before the collision. Weighing your options is essential to ensure you make the right choice. You don’t want to throw good money after bad. The minor collision repair shop will discuss the cost with you before they start making repairs.
Of course, if you have the right insurance coverage, and the insurance company is willing to pay what needs to be paid, then repairs would be the best option. It is always best to fix what you have instead of buying a new vehicle. A technician at the repair shop can let you know if fixing your vehicle is possible.
7. Auto Glass
Low-impact or minor collisions can damage auto glass. The impact can be enough to chip or crack auto glass. The auto glass should be repaired after a minor collision. There are several ways that auto glass can be damaged during a minor collision. For example, debris or components that fly off the vehicle can hit the glass.
Repairing auto glass during a minor collision repair is essential. Safety should always be a priority when it comes to vehicle repairs. The auto glass on any vehicle plays a vital role in its structure and safety. Even small chips and cracks should be repaired. Cracks and chips in auto glass get worse with time. Addressing the problem as it presents itself is the best way to reduce risks.
Cracks and chips in a windshield caused by a minor collision can impair driver vision. It can also weaken the structure of the windshield and reduce the stability of the windshield. If another accident occurs, the windshield could collapse, causing severe injuries. A minor collision repair shop can assess the safety of your auto glass and repair or replace it if necessary.
In many areas, driving with damaged auto glass is against regulations. You could receive a ticket that results in heavy fines. The right shop can take care of your auto glass and ensure that you remain compliant. Damaged auto glass must be professionally repaired.
8. Damaged Radiator
Coolant system damage is another common occurrence after a minor collision. Every combustion vehicle has a radiator, typically situated at the front of the engine compartment. Because of the radiator’s location makes it vulnerable to damage after an auto collision, even a minor one.
The coolant system is charged with keeping the engine cool and dissipating heat. Without an active cooling system, the engine will overheat. This can result in serious engine damage. There are several components to the cooling system with the radiator being a primary component. Cooling fluids are housed in the radiator and circulated through the engine system. A damaged radiator may leak coolant fluid.
This repair is essential after a minor collision. There is a risk of severe engine damage when a radiator is damaged. The excessive heat generated when the radiator is not functioning can warp the cylinders in the engine and cause other damage. Warped cylinders cause an engine to be entirely ineffective, which may lead to a full engine replacement if not fixed immediately.
Radiator replacement can fix the problem. A good collision repair shop will evaluate your entire cooling system for leaks and other problems. If any issues are discovered, then a repair plan will be determined. You can’t ignore a cooling system problem. It will cause serious damage and safety issues.
A minor collision should be addressed even when there is no visible damage. A minor collision repair shop can fully evaluate your vehicle for hidden damage. What seems to be small damage can often be a larger problem. Take your vehicle to a local repair shop to thoroughly evaluate the damage. It is always best to err on the side of caution regarding repairs after a minor collision. Call today to learn more about what repairs are necessary and can be done simultaneously.