In 2020, in the US, there were over five million roadside accidents. Fortunately, most accidents do not result in fatalities, but almost all cause some sort of damage to the vehicles involved. After experiencing a car accident, casually driving around can be a safety hazard to you and those around you.
Instead, immediately send your car to a local repair shop for a check-up, such as the best auto body shop Saratoga Springs offers for efficient service. You never know what vital parts of your vehicle were damaged, and they might turn into costly repairs if left unnoticed. Even if your car has miraculously escaped with a few scratches getting a full diagnostic check is never a bad idea and is covered by most insurances. Here are a few things you must get checked after a roadside accident.
1. Driver Assistance System
Modern cars are loaded with innovative driver assistance systems. They include electronic sensors, cameras, and radars that constantly monitor your vehicle, making driving easier and safer. However, these are fragile parts, and even slight impacts like hitting the curb can interrupt these systems.
If you do not restore the system, you are vulnerable to many blind spots while driving. The sensors and cameras will not alert you to a potential collision. The sensors will also be unable to activate the automatic braking feature increasing the chance of crashes. It is vital to thoroughly check the driver assistance system before it results in fatal and costly accidents.
2. Battery
After experiencing an accident, your battery is one of the most vital parts to check. The battery is fragile and absorbs a lot of shock from an impact. If its pole plates, cables, or battery acid receive damage, then your battery will become vulnerable.
You might be unable to see this battery impairment, but as you drive, you will feel your battery life significantly drop. You might need to repair or replace your battery according to the damage. However, you must take this action promptly; otherwise, you might find yourself stranded in the middle of the road and calling an expensive tow truck.
3. Engine Light
Like the battery, an engine also absorbs stress from impacts which can disrupt its mechanism. Look for the yellow blinking engine light on your dashboard, indicating a problem in your engine. The engine light can come on for anything, from a loose gas cap to a severe engine misfire. Regardless, you must immediately take your car into an auto body shop. They will run a full diagnostic scan to find the cause.
Even if your engine light does not immediately turn on after an accident, it does not necessarily mean your engine escaped unharmed. Sometimes the damage is minor, and the mechanism takes a few days to identify, especially for older cars, so for the first week after an accident, always watch the engine light.
4. Seat belts
Even though seat belts are vital in saving lives, people do not assess their damage after an accident. On impact, airbags sometimes go off to provide the driver and passengers with cushiony support, but it can also impair the seat belt mechanism. The airbag puts extreme tension on the seat belt’s webbing, causing it to snap or compromising its system so they no longer buckle.
Driving without a seatbelt is unsafe and illegal, with a $10 to $100 fine. You might immediately notice the driver’s seat belt damage, but passenger-side seat belts often go unnoticed, so getting a complete interior inspection is vital.
5. Leaks
There are multiple liquids in your car which ensure its smooth operation. However, minor impacts can cause cracks in tubings and containers, leading to leaks. Leaks are easy to miss when you inspect your vehicle for damage after an accident, but they can have costly consequences. Here are some common leaks and what they mean for your car:
- Engine oil leak: It is a dark brown fluid and will leak from your car’s front. An engine oil leak means you can drive for small distances, enough to get to an auto shop. If engine oil leaks too much, your car will overheat, and a gasket can blow.
- Antifreeze leak: Antifreeze is a sweet-smelling coolant that leaks from your car’s front. It can have different colors like green, pink, red, and orange. An antifreeze leak causes your vehicle to overheat and must be dealt with immediately.
- Brake fluid leak: Brake fluid is essential to keep your brakes properly working. You can spot it near your car’s tires, and it has a yellow or clear color that turns brown over time. With a brake fluid leak, you cannot risk driving and must tow your truck to a repair shop.
6. Noise
Never ignore the noises your car makes. They are an essential sign of what is happening in your vehicle. After an accident, your car might start making noises that were not present before. You must take immediate note of these sounds and consult a mechanic. Here are a few common noises that vehicles make:
- Whirring: This sound occurs because the car’s belts are wearing out. Your vehicle has multiple straps, all with different uses. In car accidents, the straps absorb shock and get stretched and deformed. You must promptly fix the faulty belts since they strain the vehicle’s machinery.
- Hissing or sizzling: This sound comes when fluid leaks into your other system. You can always detect external fluid leaks by crouching under your car but always listen for a hissing or sizzling sound for internal ones. Fluid leaks cause your vehicle to overheat and reduce performance.
- Tire noises: Impacts cause tires to lose air, causing them to make weird noises. Underinflated tires quickly overheat, have premature wear, and can blowout. After an accident, always check your tires’ air, or you might have to buy new tires.
Endnote
Suffering a car accident is an unfortunate experience many of us go through. You are often lucky to escape with your life, but sadly your vehicle takes the brunt of the damage. Regardless of the accident’s intensity, you must always check your car to ensure everything runs smoothly. Most problems remain unseen after the accident but can become severe and costly. To promptly resolve all issues, go through the checklist given above and ask your mechanic to perform a detailed diagnostic check. Doing this ensures you are met with fewer inconveniences and can have an enjoyable drive.
