Identifying Common Collision Damage: A Guide from Conestoga Collision
At Conestoga Collision, we understand that car accidents are stressful. Not only do they disrupt your day, but they also leave your vehicle with visible and hidden damage that needs to be addressed. Identifying the type and extent of damage your vehicle has sustained is crucial in determining the next steps for repair. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the most common types of collision damage and how to spot them.
1. Fender Bender Damage
One of the most frequent types of accidents is the fender bender, usually happening at low speeds, such as in parking lots or at traffic lights. The impact typically results in minor damage, such as dents or scratches on your car’s front or rear bumper.
How to Identify:
- Dents and Dings: Look for visible dents, even small ones, on the front or rear bumpers.
- Scratches: Inspect the bumper area for any scratches or paint transfer from another vehicle.
- Alignment Issues: Check if your vehicle pulls to one side when driving, as this might indicate alignment issues caused by the impact.
2. Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are another common type of accident, often happening during stop-and-go traffic. Even at low speeds, these can cause significant damage to both vehicles involved.
How to Identify:
- Bumper Damage: The rear bumper may have visible dents or cracks. Modern bumpers are designed to absorb impact, so even if the damage looks minor, the underlying structure could be compromised.
- Trunk Issues: Check if the trunk opens and closes smoothly. A misaligned or jammed trunk is a sign of rear-end collision damage.
- Exhaust Problems: Inspect the exhaust system under the car for any bends or cracks that could affect performance.
3. Side-Impact Damage (T-Bone Collisions)
Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone collisions, occur when one vehicle hits the side of another. These accidents can cause severe damage to the doors, windows, and structural integrity of the vehicle.
How to Identify:
- Door Damage: Look for dents, scratches, or warping on the doors. If a door doesn’t open or close properly, it’s a clear sign of damage.
- Window Issues: Cracks or shattered windows are common in side-impact collisions. Also, check if the windows roll up and down smoothly.
- Frame Damage: This type of collision can lead to bent frames. If your vehicle feels off-balance when driving or the doors don’t align correctly, you may have frame damage that needs immediate attention.
4. Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are less common but can cause extensive damage. The front end of the vehicle absorbs the majority of the impact, which can lead to damage to the engine, hood, and windshield.
How to Identify:
- Hood Damage: A crumpled hood is a clear sign of a head-on collision. Check for difficulty in opening or closing the hood as well.
- Engine Issues: Listen for any strange noises or check for leaks under the car. Even if the damage doesn’t appear severe, the engine components could be compromised.
- Windshield Damage: Cracks or chips in the windshield are common after head-on collisions. Even small cracks should be repaired promptly to prevent them from spreading.
5. Multi-Vehicle Pileups
In more severe accidents involving multiple vehicles, the damage can be extensive and affect various parts of your car. These accidents often lead to a combination of the damages mentioned above, making it crucial to have a professional inspection.
How to Identify:
- Multiple Points of Impact: Look for damage on both the front and rear ends of the vehicle.
- Internal Damage: Due to the severity, check the undercarriage, suspension, and alignment thoroughly.
- Airbag Deployment: If your airbags deployed, it’s a sign that the impact was significant, and your vehicle likely has structural damage that needs professional evaluation.
If you’ve recently been in an accident, identifying the type of collision damage is the first step in getting your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. At Conestoga Collision, our experienced technicians are trained to assess and repair all types of collision damage. We use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that your vehicle is restored to its original safety and performance standards. Don’t leave anything to chance—if you’ve been in an accident, contact us today for a thorough inspection and quality repairs.