Hidden Problems Created by Rear-Ending Accidents
According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident and account for nearly 28% of reported collisions. To many, being hit from the rear can be a relief because there are few major parts that can wind up damaged. While we appreciate anyone choosing to look at the bright side of these unfortunate events, the truth is that there are quite a few hidden problems that can go unknown at the fault of a rear-end collision.
The team at Autobahn Collision Center has seen our fair share of cars that have been rear-ended. While many people come in thinking that they’ll need a quick dent removal or a small paint detail, there are quite a few ways that a rear-end collision can affect a car. Unfortunately, these accidents aren’t always considered serious, which is why so many of these problems can go hidden until they unravel into something much worse, and much more expensive.
These hidden problems are unfortunate and the last thing that we want our customers to deal with. That’s why, in today’s blog, the team at Autobahn Collision Center is going to be going over some of the hidden issues that can occur through a rear-end collision. If any of these auto body problems sound like something you’re struggling with, contact our office and we’d be happy to set up a consultation.
So Many Trunk Problems
Given that rear-end collisions hit the rear of your car, it shouldn’t be too surprising that they can lead to countless trunk problems. Unfortunately, the trunk isn’t always the part of the car that shows the most damage, so most people just assume that the bumper is what was damaged and carry on their way. Even though the trunk may look completely fine, some of the most common trunk problems that occur from rear-ending collisions include the following:
- Water leaking into the trunk
- Trunk door won’t stay locked
- Trunk door opens unexpectedly
- Difficulty or inability to open the trunk
These are some of the most common issues, and a lot of them are due to some bend in the frame and hardware of the vehicle.
Misaligned Wheels
Another major problem that can occur from a rear-end collision is misalignment. This happens to the wheels of your car and can affect the stability of your car when driving. This is incredibly dangerous and can lead to further problems, thus costing you more money. One of the most common ways that misalignment can affect your car is through inconsistent wear to your tires. The downside to this is that if one tire is worn down, they all need to be replaced. Not exactly an additional cost that anyone wants to deal with.
If the alignment of your tires is off, you might be experiencing the following:
- Wobbly steering wheel
- Difficulty steering
- Vibrations through your car
- Uneven wear on tires
- Difficulty staying straight while driving
As we mentioned earlier, having tires that are misaligned can be incredibly dangerous and is something you want to get looked at and fixed sooner than later.
Damage to the Frame
Many people think that the damage of a rear-ending collision stops at the dent in the bumper, but the truth is it goes far beyond that. Given that bumpers are made from plastic, most collisions will dent the bumper, but the force continues on to the frame. As tough as a car may seem, even the slightest of accidents can cause damage to a frame, leading to various additional problems including:
- Reduced strength in the frame
- Sensor misalignment for various systems
While these may not seem like too big of a problem, these two factors affect the structural security of your vehicle. If you believe that the frame of your car was damaged in a collision, visit your local auto body shop to get a thorough consultation on how serious the damage is and whether or not it can be repaired.
Let Autobahn Collision Center Help
While the team at Autobahn Collision Center can’t help with all of the damage that was done to your car during a rear-end collision, we can do our best to get your car looking good as new. Our body shop provides a wide range of services so that you have a one-stop-shop in terms of fixing up the exterior of your car. For questions about our services or to request a quote for your car’s repairs, contact our office. We would be more than happy to provide you with additional information or get your car’s repairs in the books.
