Have you recently been in a car accident? That wouldn't be surprising considering how common it is to crash a car. According to Bankrate, 13 car crashes occur every minute. That's why most adult drivers wind up in at least one vehicular accident during their lifetime. It's undoubtedly a stressful situation, and depending on the severity of the accident, your car may need repairs. Even if the damage seems minor at first, there might be hidden issues lurking beneath the surface. In most cases, there will be multiple areas that need work that can be fixed with the help of an experienced car repair professional. Let's take a quick look at the areas of your car that might need car collision repair.

The Exterior

The exterior of your car is usually the most obvious place to spot damage. Dents, scratches, and cracked windows are pretty easy to notice, and they'll definitely need some attention. If the accident was particularly serious, the metal panels way be visibly warped or even bent beyond recognition. Whether it's a bumper dent or a nasty scrape on the side, don't underestimate the importance of getting these issues fixed. Apart from the aesthetic aspect, small dents can also create weak points in the body, making it more susceptible to further damage in future accidents. The sooner you take care of those scrapes, the better it'll be for your car in the long run. Luckily, car collision repair experts can repair or rebuild the exterior of your vehicle.

The Frame

One of the more serious areas to consider is the car's frame. It's like the backbone of your vehicle, and even a slight misalignment can cause problems with your car's handling and safety features. If you notice a sensation of being pulled to one side while driving or uneven gaps between panels, get your frame checked out. Frame damage can be deceptive if you don't notice any changes while driving. It might not be as visible as a dent, but it can have a significant impact on your car's structural integrity. A compromised frame can affect how your car absorbs impact in future accidents, putting you and your passengers at risk. A car collision repair technician can use tools to measure the alignment and make the necessary adjustments.

Airbags

In an accident, your airbags are vital to keeping you safe. They'll cushion you and help you avoid serious injuries, but after an accident, they'll need to be replaced. Airbags are only meant to be deployed one time. Once they've been used, there's no way to pack them back up to use again. In order to stay safe while driving and pass an inspection, it's important to have your airbags replaced by a professional. A car collision repair service can remove the old, used airbags and replace them with new ones. They'll also connect them to the system that determines if the airbags need to be deployed in an accident.

Wiring

Cars have countless wires in every part of the vehicle, and an accident can jostle these delicate connections. If you start experiencing electrical issues like malfunctioning lights, wipers, or strange dashboard notifications, it's time to get those wires sorted out. Electrical issues can be incredibly frustrating, and sometimes they can be difficult to diagnose. An experienced car collision repair technician will use diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact problem, and they'll make sure all the electrical connections are secure and functioning correctly. You don't want to drive with faulty wiring; it could lead to safety hazards or even more severe issues down the road.

Lights

You might think a cracked headlight is just a cosmetic issue, but it can seriously affect your visibility. Good visibility is essential for safe driving, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions. Driving with a damaged headlight or taillight not only endangers you but also puts other drivers at risk. If your taillights aren't working as they should, there's no way for the driver behind you to know when you're breaking. It's also likely you'll get pulled over if you have a broken headlight or taillight. It's even possible to get a ticket since it's considered a major safety issue. If there's a crack in the headlight casing, water could get in and damage the electronic components of your car or make it more difficult to fix your headlight. From headlights to taillights, have them checked and repaired or replaced as needed to stay safe and visible on the road.

Wheels

With so many moving parts, it's likely your wheels will be damaged in some way if you're ever in an accident. At the very least, it's likely your wheels will become unaligned. Wheel misalignment can cause uneven tire wear and affect your car's performance. Even a minor fender bender can throw your wheels out of balance, so make sure to get them properly aligned and balanced. Misaligned wheels can also cause your car to veer to one side, affecting your handling. If the damage is more serious, you may not be able to turn your wheels or drive at all. Something that severe obviously needs to be repaired. Your local car collision repair business can realign your wheels and fix any other wheel damage so your car will drive as expected.

Paint

While it may seem like a superficial concern, paint damage can lead to bigger problems if left unattended. Exposed metal can start to rust. Once it sets in, it can spread rapidly and cause irreversible damage like large holes in the side of the car body. Addressing paint issues promptly will not only keep your car looking fresh but also prevent more significant problems down the line. Get those scratches and chips touched up to keep your car's body in top-notch shape.

The Dashboard

The dashboard is like the command center of your car, and it houses numerous vital components that keep your driving experience comfortable and safe. Despite being inside the car, the dashboard can be seriously damaged by a crash. It's home to essential components like air conditioning, heating, and other control systems that are essential to operating your vehicle. You may notice flickering lights, trouble changing settings, or broken buttons. One of the worst things that can happen is if the warning lights stop working properly. Without them, there's no way to easily tell if there's a problem with your engine or other parts of your car. In order to have a functioning dashboard, you need to call your car collision repair person. They'll make sure everything is functioning properly.

These are just a few areas that may need repairs after a car crash. After an accident, it's essential not to overlook these areas of your car that might need repairs. You want your ride to be safe, reliable, and look good as new. Luckily, experienced mechanics and technicians have the knowledge and equipment to fix vehicles after they've been damaged. If you're involved in an accident, no matter how severe, and need assistance, you can call, submit an online form, or visit our automotive services center to get a free estimate. From there, you can schedule professional car collision repair for your damaged vehicle. Contact City Side Auto Body today for more information or to make an appointment!