When most people think of a car accident, they tend to look at the immediate damage – shattered windscreens, buckled panels and blown tyres. But an accident, even a minor one, has the potential to cause long-term damage you can’t see, affecting your car’s performance and reducing its lifespan even after it has been repaired.
Here, we look at hidden collision damage and how to mitigate its effects with comprehensive car accident care to keep your vehicle on the road now and in the future.
First port of call after an accident (once everyone’s safe and you’ve got over the shock) is to take your car to a reputable mechanic or accident repair centre. Here, qualified mechanics will inspect your vehicle thoroughly to assess the damage.
This is important because even if it’s a minor shunt, there could be damage not visible to the naked eye. For example, a cracked bumper might look like it needs a simple fill and respray. But your bumper is also part of your car’s crumple zone in the event of an accident, and a crack could affect the structural integrity, putting you at risk.
An accident repair centre will be able to identify such underlying issues or damage and ensure they are repaired properly. They will also carry out repairs to manufacturer specifications, using approved parts. This is important because using improper techniques or generic components can increase wear and tear on your vehicle or lead to further breakdowns.
Once your car is repaired and back on the road, you should keep up with your scheduled maintenance and servicing as recommended by the manufacturer. Regular servicing as part of post-car accident care can pick up minor issues before they escalate and cause permanent damage.
As well as making sure you book your regular service, stay on top of at-home maintenance too. You should keep a close eye on fluid levels such as coolant, oil and brake fluid. Frequent changes or sudden drops may indicate a hidden problem that requires a closer look.
Additionally, good maintenance can extend your car’s lifespan by keeping it in good working order and reducing wear and tear. It can also optimise its performance to make sure your car is working at its best.
Proper tyre maintenance is a must on any car, but even more so after an accident. Check the tyres for signs of damage in the immediate aftermath, such as cuts or bulges, then keep a close eye on them in the weeks and months after. Uneven wear could be a sign of steering or suspension damage, which can increase overall wear and tear on the vehicle and reduce its fuel efficiency.
Maintaining correct tyre pressure, tread depth and alignment is essential for safe driving. Plus, they can all help to prolong tyre life and lead to a longer vehicle lifespan.
Remember, an accident doesn’t always mean the end for your vehicle – you just need to give it a little extra TLC in future. As long as you take good care of it with robust after-accident car care, you should still get good performance and reliability for years to come.
Get in contact with the team at EvolveArc today!
Image Source: Canva