After a minor accident, it's easy to assume that your vehicle is damage free, but don't be mistaken. Even a small collision can cause extensive damage to a car. If you've been involved in an accident, make sure you understand what risks could be involved. Learn about some of the overlooked damage that can occur during a car accident.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical to the maneuverability of a vehicle. When your wheel alignment is off, not only is turning and stopping more of a challenge, but the problem can also cause your tires to wear faster and cause your vehicle to lose some of its fuel efficiency.
Even after a minor accident, it's a good practice for vehicle owners to have their wheels checked to ensure there aren't any alignment concerns. If your car veers to one side, you need to have the vehicle checked out. However, keep in mind that the effects of poor wheel alignment might not surface immediately.
Frame
The frame of a vehicle is more than just a cosmetic enhancement that gives your vehicle its unique look. The frame is responsible for protecting the internal compartments of your car. If there is any damage to the frame of the vehicle, you will have hidden damage. Take a minor dent near your gas tank, for example.
The dent might seem like a mere cosmetic issue, but if the dent is deep enough, the frame could be pressed into the tank. As a result, the flow of gas through the tank could be restricted, or the tank could even be damaged, which could lead to a slow gas leak. The location of the frame damage determines the potential hidden damage, so ensure you have your vehicle checked out.
Cooler Hose
An accident is an impactful event. As a result, some of the delicate compartments under a vehicle's hood may move or shift during the process, including the cooler hose. The cooler hose is critical to the performance of the transmission.
However, during an accident, the force could cause the hose to bend, which can prevent the cooling fluid from flowing through the hose. As a result of poor coolant flow, the transmission may overheat. A transmission that overheats is at risk of complete failure.
Don't just assume that your vehicle is okay, be confident. Ensure you take your car to a trusted repair professional for a detailed inspection to determine what type of damage your vehicle has sustained. For more information, contact a local auto repair company like Collisions Plus Performance.