Hidden Damage After a Car Accident: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

After an accident, you may think the visible damages to your vehicle are the most pressing issue. However, not all damage is apparent immediately, and ignoring warning signs of hidden damage can have serious consequences.

Damages under the hood can be just as severe, if not more, than damages on the outside. After an accident, there are some warning signs indicating there may be more damage than what meets the eye. Let’s explore some things you need to watch for that could indicate hidden damage after a car accident.

Leaking Fluid

After an accident, you’ll want to watch for unusual puddles under your car. Leaking fluids, such as oil, coolant, or brake fluid, can indicate serious issues with your car’s engine, brakes, or transmission systems. If you ignore these leaks, you may be at risk of engine failure, overheating, or brake malfunctions, which can be inconvenient and dangerous on the road.

• Oil Leaks — Dark, slick patches under the vehicle often indicate an oil leak, which could damage the engine or oil pan.
• Transmission Fluid Leaks — Red or brown fluid can signal a transmission fluid leak, which needs immediate attention to avoid transmission failure.
• Coolant Leaks — Brightly coloured puddles indicate a coolant leak, which could damage the radiator or hoses.

Check Engine Light Comes On

When the check engine light comes on, it can be difficult to identify the exact problem because there can be various issues with the engine or transmission. Even a minor rear-end collision can cause damage that would trigger the check engine light because some cars’ transmission components are located in the vehicle’s back end.

It is important never to ignore the check engine light. While there is no need to panic, you should make sure to have a mechanic perform a diagnostic check to determine the cause. If the check engine light starts flashing, you should not drive the vehicle at all because that indicates a serious issue that may cause even more damage.

Unexplained Sounds or Vibrations

After an accident, listen carefully for any unusual sounds coming from your vehicle. These can signal potential hidden damage:

• Grinding Noises — Grinding sounds can point to issues with the brakes, wheel bearings, or transmission, which need immediate attention
• Squeaks — High-pitched squeaks typically indicate there is an issue with the suspension components or worn bushings
• Rattles — Rattling noises come from loose parts or damaged exhaust components

Electrical Issues

Even the most minor car accidents can cause significant damage to a vehicle’s electrical systems. Be aware of these warning signs that could point to hidden electrical issues:

• Malfunctioning Lights — Flickering or broken headlights, brake lights, or turn signals may indicate electrical damage
• Electronic Glitches — Problems like unresponsive buttons, erratic gauge readings, or malfunctioning information systems can indicate damage to the wiring harness or electric control units.
• Dashboard Warning Lights — Warning lights, such as the check engine or ABS light, can indicate damage to specific systems.

Steering Problems

If you experience difficulty steering, if your vehicle shakes or pulls to one side, that can indicate misalignment or damage to the steering system. Even the most minor collisions can knock the frame out of place, leading to further damage if it goes uncorrected.

Frame Damage

Even if the trunk, doors, or hood appear undamaged after a collision, you’ll still want to look at them closely. Hidden damages could come from issues with the vehicle’s frame, which affects latch mechanisms.

Broken latches can cause the doors or trunk to open suddenly while driving or prevent you or your passengers from exiting the car in an emergency. A misaligned frame can lead to uneven tyre wear, steering wheel vibration, or pulling to one side while driving.

Auto Repairs By Caversham Coachworks

After an accident, it’s important that you visit an auto repair shop right away, even if you cannot visually see any immediate concerns. Delaying repairs can have costly consequences and make your car unsafe for you and your passengers.

At Caversham Coachworks, our mission is to provide top-quality car repairs and dent removal services. Our technicians have the skills and tools to get your vehicle looking new again, no matter if you have minor or major dents. We take care of everything from insurance to crash repairs, car body repairs, dent and scratch repairs, and many other services. 

We are the leading independent vehicle repair centre in Berkshire and Central Oxfordshire, with exceptional service and quality work. Contact us today or use our free and easy estimator tool.