If you’re like most drivers, you might not consider a fender bender cause for serious concern. But that assumption could cause major problems for your vehicle. Even a low-speed auto accident can result in internal damage to your car or truck, which may not be readily detectable.
Regardless of the type or severity of visible auto body damage, it’s important to have your vehicle examined by an auto body repair specialist after any type of collision. The experts at Minnetonka Collision explain why below.
Possible Electrical Problems
The electrical wiring throughout your vehicle is delicate and therefore, susceptible to damage even during minor collisions. Even a low-speed fender bender can loosen or tear wiring, which can result in a variety of electrical issues for your vehicle, including:
● Heating and cooling problems
● Loss of power
● Failing door locks
● Security system failure
● Power window failure
Since these types of electrical issues can put your safety at risk, it’s imperative that you take your vehicle to an auto body repair shop after a fender bender. A trained specialist can remove the damaged fender or paneling to inspect for potential wiring problems before performing your fender repair.
Risk of Frame Damage
Any time you’re involved in a collision — no matter the severity — your vehicle is at risk for frame damage. Though you may not notice a bent or shifted frame if the damage is subtle, it can still affect the way your vehicle operates and whether your airbags deploy properly.
A damaged or shifted frame also diminishes the structural integrity of your vehicle, making it more vulnerable to further damage in the event of a future collision.
Though the visible damage resulting from a fender bender may appear minor, frame damage is a serious issue that can put your safety at risk. Any time you’re involved in a minor accident, take your vehicle to an auto body repair shop at your earliest convenience. You don’t necessarily need to get your fender repaired if you don’t want to, but for safety’s sake, you should have the frame inspected at the very least.
Suspension Damage
Hitting a deep pothole in the road can damage your vehicle’s suspension — what do you imagine a fender bender might do to it? Though minor suspension damage might be little more than an annoyance, more significant problems can negatively affect the way your vehicle handles on the road.
Without a professional inspection, though, it’s fairly difficult to determine the severity of suspension damage following any type of collision. For peace of mind and to prevent growing problems, have an auto body repair specialist take a look at your suspension if you’ve been in a fender bender.
Transmission Damage
Rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles are particularly susceptible to transmission damage during rear-end collisions. The force of the collision can push the drive shaft into the transmission, resulting in moderate to severe damage and costly repairs.
Since transmission problems will only grow worse without prompt attention, it’s imperative that you have your transmission inspected if it’s acting up after a fender bender. Even if you don’t notice anything unusual when your vehicle shifts gears, it’s never a bad idea to have a professional take a look at the system.
Need Fender Repairs in the Twin Cities? Contact Minnetonka Collision
Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a fender bender or your vehicle incurred damage from a more serious collision, our team at Minnetonka Collision is here for you. Our state-of-the-art, advanced collision center is equipped for all types of auto body repair and we’re more than happy to handle your insurance claim from start to finish. To request an appointment or schedule a free estimate, call our Plymouth, MN office today at 763-230-7805 or contact us online.