Being involved in a rear-end collision may cause internal damages that are difficult to detect by the untrained eye.
Even though your vehicle appears to be in good condition, there may be other hidden problems underneath the surface that will lead to bigger problems as time goes by.
Here are the five types of damages that are likely to occur to a vehicle after a rear-end collision.
Alignment damage is a misalignment of the wheels and suspension of a vehicle, causing it to pull to one side of the road whilst you’re driving. If you notice any vibrations, noisy steering, uneven tire wear, a crooked steering wheel or squealing tires, it can be a sign of an alignment issue.
Even though a vehicle’s alignment is slightly off, it can stress the brakes, tires, suspension, and other parts of the vehicle, which causes a serious safety threat and increases the chances of another accident occurring.
A rear-end collision can damage your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and exhaust system. The force of impact can move the exhaust system forward, damaging the catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, muffler, engine mounts and the “Y” pipe that runs to your engine. Additionally, the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles have transmission components near the car’s rear that can be damaged in an accident.
Signs that your transmission is damaged include a car leaking transmission fluid or issues with acceleration and shifting. If you notice the “check engine” light flashing after being involved in an accident, get your vehicle inspected immediately by a mechanical technician.
The suspension system is an important aspect of a vehicle’s performance. It keeps the car in control, maximises the friction between the tires and the road and allows the driver to steer and handle the vehicle smoothly. Collisions involving the rear end often result in frame damage, which can stress the vehicle’s suspension system and cause the parts, such as the shocks and struts, to wear out faster.
Additionally, poor alignment can also put more pressure on suspension components. If your vehicle has a bad suspension, it can lead to a rough ride making it difficult to control your vehicle and risk your safety. If left in this state, it will only worsen and compromise your safety further, as well as decrease the value of your vehicle.
Vehicles have become more complicated and are technically more advanced than before. Even the smallest collision can cause the wires to loosen in your taillights, brake lights, and battery. Each of these parts is essential to staying safe while driving.
Hence, it’s important to ensure that these parts are always intact, especially after an accident. During an inspection of your car’s electrical components, a technician may find that repairs are needed.
It’s easy to overlook boot damage because it doesn’t affect the ability to drive a vehicle, but it should never be ignored. It can be a safety hazard if you drive with a damaged boot because it can pop open and block your rear-view mirror and may startle the driver behind you, which may lead to another rear-end collision.
Even though it may seem like a low risk, it’s always wise to have any sort of boot damage repaired, which should open and close with ease and securely locked.