17 Apr Monsoon Collision Damage Isn’t Always Visible: The Tucson Guide to Hidden Frame & Suspension Issues
Drivers in Tucson know that monsoon storms can come on fast and hit hard. If you’re on the road when one happens, you may face decreased visibility, slick roads, falling debris, malfunctioning traffic lights, and other hazards that increase your risk of a collision. A storm-related collision can cause frame and suspension damage that may not be easily visible. That is why it’s so important to bring your vehicle to a shop that offers certified auto body and collision repair in Tucson, AZ, like National Auto Collision Centers. Here is your guide to understanding hidden suspension and frame issues that can occur after a vehicle collision during monsoon season.
Wheel Misalignment
This is one of the most common suspension issues. It can be caused by a sudden impact, such as hitting a vehicle, pothole, or curb. It can also occur if your vehicle is hit by heavy falling debris, such as a tree or street sign. Some of the warning signs of wheel misalignment are:
- Your vehicle pulls to the left or right or keeps drifting
- The steering wheel isn’t centered when driving on a straight, flat road
- Tire wear is uneven and you notice excessive wear on the inside or outside of the tire, or a feathered wear pattern
- The steering wheel vibrates or shakes
- The car feels loose or unstable
- The tires squeal or make strange noises, especially when turning
Damaged Struts or Shocks
Shocks and struts are crucial suspension system components responsible for dampening spring motion, controlling bounce, and ensuring proper tire contact with the road. Damage can cause problems with vehicle steering, braking, and handling. Some of the most common causes of shock and strut damage are harsh road conditions, hitting potholes or bumps, driving over debris in the road, hard braking or sudden lane changes, and vehicle collisions. You may not see damage on a visual inspection post collision, but when driving you may notice:
- Excessive bouncing, especially after hitting a bump
- The vehicle rolls or sways when turning, seems to tip to one side, or feels unstable
- The front end of your vehicle dives forward when you brake, or the rear dips when you accelerate
- Signs of a fluid leak
- Clunking or knocking sounds after going over a bump
- Steering wheel vibration even on smooth roads
Broken Suspension Arms or Links
Suspension arms keep the wheel upright and prevent excessive forward-backward or side-to-side motion while driving. Suspension links ensure proper axle position and movement and manage the overall suspension geometry and braking and acceleration forces. They can become damaged by high-impact events like a collision with another vehicle or hitting a pothole, curb, or road debris. They can also become corroded if your vehicle floods or drives through deep water. Some of the signs of broken suspension arms or links include:
- Clunking or rattling noises when driving over bumps or while turning
- Steering instability
- Pulling to one side or drifting while driving
- Rapid or uneven tire wear
- Steering wheel vibration especially at high speeds
At National Auto Collision Centers, we will run comprehensive diagnostics and complete a detailed, multi-point inspection to identify hidden damage after a monsoon collision. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment at one of our auto body and collision repair shops in Tucson, AZ.