The Importance of Auto Body Work

Rear-end collisions account for about 1.7 million collisions each year. Rear-end collisions aren't always serious and may only cause superficial damage (like a cracked bumper). Still, minor crashes can cause damage you can't easily see. So, you should take your vehicle for a professional inspection after a rear-end collision to check for any hidden damages beneath the surface. 

Read on to discover the hidden problems you should look out for after rear-end collision. 

Misaligned wheels

Misaligned wheels are not obvious at first glance. But when you drive, you will notice uneven handling, wobbly steering, and unusual vibrations. Your vehicle also pulls to one side of the road as you drive. 

With misaligned wheels, your car tires will wear down quickly, and you have to replace them sooner than you'd like. Such wheels also put pressure on your brakes and suspension, which causes them to deteriorate faster. If left unchecked, you might cause another accident on the road. So if you've recently been involved in a rear-end collision, see a collision repair professional for an inspection to be safe.

Transmission Issues

Some vehicles have their transmission systems installed at the rear end. So when a rear-end collision occurs, the car's transmission components can sustain significant damage. Consequently, you will notice transmission issues such as:

• Slipping transmission
• Difficulty shifting gears
• Transmission fluid leakage

A rear-end collision can also shove your exhaust system forward and ruin your catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, muffler, and other vital parts of your vehicle. Failure to address transmission issues immediately could result in more serious problems that will cost a fortune to repair. 

Electrical Problems

Given all electronic systems in modern vehicles, even the slightest rear-end impact can cause serious damage. For instance, the cameras and sensors that allow easy parking can change position after rear-end collision and point you in the wrong direction as you reverse. 

Worse still, a rear-end impact can loosen the wires of your vehicle's electrical systems. As a result, your car battery could run out of power unexpectedly and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Your brake and tail lights can also cause malfunction, which poses a great danger as you travel in low visibility conditions. 

Some loose connections aren't so obvious. But a qualified technician can check for any hidden wiring issues with your car that you might miss.

A rear-end collision (even a low-impact one) can result in hidden issues that can compromise your safety as you drive. So, take your vehicle to an auto body shop for a thorough inspection and repairs to ensure your car is in the best drivable state.