20 Jun Signs That a Fender Bender Caused More Serious Damage
Any automotive collision, no matter how minor, can damage your vehicle. After a collision or accident, it’s important to inspect your vehicle’s exterior from top to bottom, including the undercarriage. If any warning lights turn on when you start your vehicle, or if there has been any change to your vehicle’s performance or drivability, bring it into an auto repair shop right away.
At National Auto Collision Centers, we can do a thorough diagnostic workup and assessment to determine if your vehicle suffered from any major damage. If you notice any of these signs that a fender bender caused more serious damage to your vehicle than you initially thought, call us to make an appointment at our auto center.
Alignment Issues
Even a minor fender bender can cause damage to your vehicle’s frame that can increase the risk of major problems. These problems can show up right after the accident, or weeks or months later. One of the most common issues resulting from frame damage is an alignment problem. Signs you need to visit a body shop because of an alignment issue include:
- Noisy steering
- Steering wheel is hard to turn
- Steering wheel pulls in one direction
- Signs of uneven wear on tires
- Steering wheel is wobbly or shaky
- Vehicle is bouncy or vibrates, especially as speed increases
Malfunctioning Trunk, Hood, or Doors
The impact from a fender bender can warp or dent your vehicle’s frame in such a way that doors may be hard to open or close, or your trunk or hood may malfunction. Visit our auto body shop if you notice:
- Damage to the seal around the door or trunk
- Broken latch on the door or trunk
- Trunk or hood pops open unexpectedly while driving
- Trunk or hood won’t stay latched
- Door won’t open or close properly
Electrical Problems
Your vehicle’s bumper may house a collection of wires and sensors responsible for controlling your Advanced Driver Assistance System. A fender bender can damage those sensors and cause the ADAS to fail. Collisions can also damage tail lights and battery wiring. If you notice any of these signs of electrical issues or ADAS issues, visit our collision center:
- Dashboard warning lights
- Inconsistent or incorrect ADAS alerts
- Failed or delayed activation of ADAS features
- Inaccurate object detection from ADAS
- Dim or flickering interior lights
- Turn signal, brake lights, or headlights aren’t working or don’t turn on consistently
- Vehicle won’t start
- Power windows and doors are malfunctioning
- Burning or fishy odor in vehicle
Leaks and Fluid Problems
A fender bender can also cause mechanical damage that causes fluid leaks. If you notice any signs of damage to the undercarriage of your vehicle or if you see leaking fluid or stains under your vehicle, visit our auto shop. Some signs of vehicle fluid problems are:
- Fluid leaks
- Trouble steering
- Strange noises when turning the steering wheel
- Slipping gears or erratic shifting
- Loss of power
- Poor acceleration
- Dashboard warning lights
- Burning smells or blue exhaust smoke
If you have been Googling “auto body repair near me in Tucson, AZ,” because you have noticed problems with your vehicle after a fender bender, our experienced auto technicians at National Auto Collision Centers can help. We offer inspections and diagnostics, auto body and car paint repair, and comprehensive maintenance and automotive repairs. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment at one of our auto and collision centers in Tucson, AZ.