Essential Vehicle Inspections and Repairs After a Collision

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Motor vehicle accidents can be unsettling, and the immediate reaction involves personal safety. However, thorough vehicle inspection is vital. Subtle damages may not be visible, but often lead to the subsequent breakdown of other components. The following inspections and repairs can help maximize safety after a car accident.

1. Frame and Structural Integrity

The chassis is your car’s backbone, so even a minor collision can impact its integrity. Scheduling a professional vehicle inspection to identify defects is vital. A cracked or deformed chassis can affect your car’s safety and drivability.

Typically, inspections reveal problems that may not be visible, such as misalignment or failing structural components. If your vehicle shows misalignment, it’s a good sign the vehicle has significant frame damage. Repairing frame defects not only makes the car safe, but also enhances longevity.

2. Alignment and Suspension

The suspension system on your car can affect the exterior body. Repairs are necessary to ensure safe driving without compromising other vital components. For instance, you will likely have power steering issues when your suspension is off.

Impacts from collision often deflect the wheel alignment to the right or left, depending on the impact area. If you don’t inspect and adjust wheel alignment after the incident, it may trigger irregular tire wear and pose safety issues.

Motor vehicle wheels should be perfectly aligned to ensure optimum handling and safety. After adjustments, drive in a straight line to test the alignment. Most importantly, inspect your tires for punctures, cuts, or uneven wear patterns since they may indicate issues requiring immediate attention.

3. Mechanical Inspection and Repairs

The safety and performance of your car depend on the proper functioning of each mechanical element. To inspect engine and transmission performance issues, start the engine and note unusual sounds like whining, knocking, or ticking. Typically, a healthy engine should idle smoothly and respond normally to throttle acceleration. Also, a short drive can help you ensure smooth gear shifts without vibrations and jerking.

Fluids in your engine keep the vehicle in optimum condition. You should check all fluids, including transmission fluid, coolant, oil, and brake fluid. Ensure the levels match manufacturer recommendations and look for any signs of leakage in the engine bay or under the engine sump.

Braking systems make your vehicle more practical and safe for the occupants and other road users. However, brakes can be easily impacted by a collision. You can test the brakes at various speeds to ensure prompt response without abnormal squealing, grinding, or vibration. Like other safety and performance systems in a car, braking issues need immediate solutions.

Lastly, the suspension system determines the performance and comfort of your vehicle. This makes it a vital repair to ensure vehicle safety. Drive the car at an average speed over a rough surface to determine if the suspension can withstand impact smoothly without wobbling, noise, or excessive bouncing. This helps determine suspension damage as well as potential impact on adjacent parts.

Endnote

Post-collision vehicle inspection is a multifaceted approach to identifying visible and invisible defects. Several systems and parts can break down once a vehicle is involved in an accident. Inspecting the car to ensure maximum safety is vital since even minor impacts may cause severe damage.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

https://www.bmwcoop.com