When it comes to auto accidents, most people realize that serious damage needs to be addressed by a collision repair shop. However, what many drivers don't understand is that even minor rear-end collisions need to be addressed. It's tempting to think that, if the accident was minor, there's nothing to worry about. However, even subtle rear-end collisions can cause damage. Here's a look at a few reasons why you need to be attentive to even a minor fender-bender.
Alignment Problems
If you think about the delicate balance that is your car's alignment, you can then see why you need to have your alignment checked after a rear-end collision. After all, just hitting a pothole on the road is one of the most common causes of alignment issues. The impact from a rear-end collision can shift your car enough to cause the same. Left unaddressed, you can experience handling problems and premature tire wear as well.
Electrical Connectivity Issues
Your car's electrical wiring system is pretty elaborate. There are electrical wires connected all throughout your car, including in your rear brake and tail lights. Electric lock systems also have wiring connected to power the system.
An impact from behind can jar your vehicle enough that it might knock some electrical connections loose. Whether it's your lights, your electric locks, or even engine components, these can all lead to serious safety issues.
Frame Damage
Depending on the force and angle of the impact, rear-end collisions can often cause damage to your car's frame. Whether the impact weakens a weld or causes the frame to shift so that it's poorly aligned, these types of damage can be serious threats to your car's handling and safety on the road.
You can't often see frame damage without a trained eye, so it's essential to have a collision repair technician check your car's frame for proper alignment after a rear-end collision. This ensures that your car's structural integrity hasn't been threatened.
Transmission Trouble
Another common but hidden issue from a rear-end collision is trouble with your transmission. The force of the impact can cause the transmission components to shift or suffer damage, which may lead to hard shifts, leaking fluid, and ultimately transmission failure.
It's always best to have your transmission tested and checked after a rear-end collision, because you may not be able to recognize this type of damage until it's too late and you are facing a transmission replacement.
For further details, reach out to a local collision repair service.
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