When you’ve been in an accident, the visible damage to your vehicle is often just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface, there can be a host of “hidden damages” that are not immediately apparent but can compromise your vehicle’s safety, performance, and long-term integrity. At Precision Collision Auto Body, we understand the critical importance of a thorough inspection to uncover these unseen issues and ensure your car is restored to its pre-accident condition.
What Are Hidden Damages?
Hidden damages refer to structural, mechanical, or electrical issues that occur during an accident but are not visible during a preliminary assessment. These can range from subtle frame misalignment to damaged internal components that might not show symptoms until much later. Ignoring these damages can lead to significant safety risks, decreased vehicle value, and costly repairs down the road.
Why a Thorough Inspection is Crucial
A truly comprehensive auto body repair goes beyond fixing the obvious dents and scratches. It involves a meticulous examination by experienced technicians who know exactly where to look for potential hidden problems. This is where the expertise of a professional auto body shop like Precision Collision comes in. Our commitment to honesty and quality means we don’t just patch things up; we aim for a complete and precise restoration.
Common Types of Hidden Damages We Look For:
Frame and Unibody Damage: Even a minor collision can cause the frame or unibody structure of your vehicle to twist or bend. This can affect wheel alignment, tire wear, and the vehicle’s ability to protect you in a future impact. We utilize advanced computer technology for precise frame straightening and unibody repair to ensure your car’s structural integrity.
Suspension and Steering Components: Impact forces can damage suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms) and steering linkages, leading to poor handling, uneven tire wear, and even loss of control.
Braking System Issues: While less common, an accident can sometimes affect brake lines or other braking system components, potentially compromising your vehicle’s stopping power.
Electrical System Problems: Modern vehicles are equipped with complex electrical systems. Collisions can cause wires to fray, sensors to malfunction, or modules to be damaged, leading to issues with airbags, lighting, or infotainment systems.
Engine and Transmission Mounts: These crucial components absorb vibrations and hold your engine and transmission in place. Damage to mounts can lead to excessive engine movement, vibrations, and long-term mechanical issues.
Exhaust System Damage: The exhaust system runs along the underside of your vehicle and can be easily bent, cracked, or dislodged during an impact.
Cooling System Leaks: Radiators, hoses, and cooling fans can be damaged, leading to coolant leaks and potential engine overheating if not addressed promptly.
How Precision Collision Identifies Hidden Damages
Our skilled technicians employ a multi-step process to uncover hidden damages:
Visual Inspection: We start with a detailed visual examination, looking for subtle clues that indicate underlying damage.
Diagnostic Tools: We utilize advanced diagnostic equipment to scan your vehicle’s computer systems for fault codes that might point to electrical or sensor issues.
Frame Measurement Systems: For potential structural damage, we use state-of-the-art frame measurement systems to detect even the slightest deviations from factory specifications.
Disassembly and Examination: Often, the only way to truly assess internal damage is to carefully disassemble affected areas of the vehicle. This allows our technicians to thoroughly inspect components that are otherwise concealed.
Test Drive: A post-repair test drive helps us identify any remaining issues related to handling, braking, or overall performance that might indicate overlooked damage.
Your Trusted Partner After an Accident
At Precision Collision, we pride ourselves on restoring vehicles with precision and care, just as our name suggests. We work directly with insurance companies to address all damages, including those critical hidden ones, ensuring a seamless repair process. Our goal is to return your vehicle to you in its pre-accident condition, giving you peace of mind knowing that every detail has been meticulously handled.
If you’ve been in an accident, don’t leave anything to chance. Contact Precision Collision for a comprehensive inspection and expert repair. We’re here to help.