Why Driving a Damaged Car Is a Bad Idea

It’s understandable that one of the first reactions many people have when they’ve been involved in an accident is to hurry home. A common question people ask is whether or not they can drive their car after an accident.

And although you might think it is okay to drive, there can be more damage than you think. Even if the car moves, it may have been damaged to the point where it is now unsafe to drive and may be dangerous to you and other people on the road.

Even if the damages seem minor and your car still runs, it’s essential to take your car to an auto body repair shop to have it looked at and repaired by professionals. Let’s go over some reasons you should not drive a damaged car and the damages you should look over after an accident.

Why You Should Not Drive a Damaged Car

Regardless of how little distance you need to drive after an accident, or if the car is seemingly okay to drive, there can be some serious repercussions and hidden damage your car may have sustained that aren’t obvious. There are a few reasons that driving a damaged vehicle is not only dangerous but also irresponsible and can be costly in the long run.

Can Cause Worse Damage

If you continue to drive your car after it was involved in an accident, the damage can be exacerbated if you do not seek out repairs. Even if you feel the damage was minor, collisions have a significant effect on the internal and external functions of your car.

The damages can be even pricier down the line after driving on damaged parts. The cost aside, damaged cars are much more likely to malfunction and cause accidents on the road that can put your life and others at risk. Your vehicle cannot protect you properly from another collision if another has already compromised it.

Costs in the Long Run

Repairs after an accident can be costly, but your car’s resale value is also affected if you decide to skip taking care of any collision damage. If you have plans to sell your car at some point, it is crucial to take care of it properly with the necessary repairs done by professionals.

It is also important to understand if your insurance company requires you to use their payout for the repairs needed on your car, and you choose to forgo them, you can be charged for fraud that will cost you more than money alone. 

Road Safety

Damages that can impact state inspections and your ability to follow traffic laws safely must be taken into consideration before driving on the road. During state inspections, your vehicle will be thoroughly inspected and tested to ensure it meets road safety standards.

Skipping repairs will mean you need to go through more examinations after failing the first and delay renewing your registration. In addition, damages like broken headlights, cracked windshields, impaired doors, faulty steering, and other damages can lead to accidents as well as traffic violation tickets. 

Damages to Look For After an Accident

Here are some common damages you should look for when you’ve been involved in a collision.

• Leaking Fluids
• Damage to headlights, tail lights, and blinkers
• Wheel or tire damage
• Frame damage
• Windshield cracks or damage
• Cracked or loose bumpers
• Broken mirrors
• License Plates 

What to Do After an Accident

Immediately After the Accident

Here are the steps you should take immediately after the accident happens.

• Pull over to a spot that is safe and not in the way of traffic.
• Turn your hazards on so other drivers can see you.
• Identify your location by looking at surrounding landmarks and street signs or by using your phone’s GPS so you can notify the police to have them write an accident report and bring any medical services needed to the scene.

Collect All Evidence

Exchange information with other drivers involved, take photos of the damages and get eyewitness accounts of how the accident happened. By getting as much information as you can, your insurance will have an easier time processing a claim.

Find an Auto Body Repair Shop

Once your safety is taken care of and you have collected all the information you need, you should get repairs done as soon as possible. Do not attempt do-it-yourself repairs, as you can cause more damage to your vehicle, and you could end up spending much more on repairs.

Instead, locate a trusted auto body repair shop to have professionals take a look at your vehicle and perform the necessary repairs to get you back on the road safely.

Auto Body Repair with Caversham Coachworks 

It’s easy to push off getting vehicle repairs if your car is seemingly running just fine. But with the risk of putting yourself and others in danger or spending even more money in the long run, it’s best to find yourself a trusted auto body repair shop. 

Caversham Coachworks takes care of everything from insurance, crash, and car body repairs to dent and scratch repairs and many other services. As the leading independent vehicle repair centre in Berkshire and Central Oxfordshire, we promise to offer exceptional service and quality work.

Contact us today to speak with one of our experts or use our free and easy estimator tool.