817Views
Your vehicle can be damaged in several ways when involved you’re involved in an auto accident. Collisions can cause physical damages that can change the exterior of your car. In these cases, you’ll be able to discern the damage with your naked eye. These include scratches, dents, and bends—all of which are relatively easy to repair and are generally covered by most insurances.
A not so commonly known auto damage is mechanical damage and there are several types you should know.
Let’s first dive into what auto mechanical damage is defined as:
What is Auto Mechanical Damage?
Severe collisions can cause damage to mechanical parts of your vehicle that can affect its mobility. These damages can happen to your engine, tires, and brakes. Typically any damages in the base of your vehicle, which operates as the life source of your car, are considered mechanical damage.
Unlike exterior physical damage, auto mechanical damage is not easily discernible. In many cases after a collision, many people repair physical damages at an auto repair shop without fixing mechanical damages that may have been missed upon quick inspection. Continuing driving your vehicle with these damages can be dangerous, leading to another collision.
When discovered, mechanical damage should be taken care of immediately by professional mechanics. Here is a list of different types of auto mechanical damages so you can better inspect your vehicle after a collision and take the necessary steps.
1. Engine
You should never drive your car if you discover any engine damage. This type of mechanical damage should be addressed and repaired immediately.
To check for any issues to your engine, you should look to see if the Check Engine light is on, which is located underneath your dashboard. Most cars nowadays feature an on-board diagnosis (OBD) system, where it’ll warn you of any problems with your engine. These warnings shouldn’t be taken lightly. The engine is the life source of your car; any damage to it will cause many complications with your car’s performance.
2. Brake Lines
It’s easy to determine if your brake lines are damaged after an accident. Damaged brake lines will significantly impact how your vehicle slows down and comes to a quick and complete stop. If your brake lines encounter damage, you must get it repaired immediately.
Broken brake lines may also cause leakage of brake fluids, which are necessary in lubricating the components of the brake system including the pads. If there’s a fluid leak, then the brakes will not have enough lubrication and may get stuck or give out.
3. Suspension System
After an accident, there may be a possibility that your suspension system encountered some damages.
Damages to your suspension system will cause your car ride to be more rough and bumpy. Other signs of suspension damage include your car sitting low or pulling to the side, and difficulty with steering. If you notice that your car ride is riding as smoothly, you should get it inspected for suspension system damage.
4. Tire and Wheel
Damages to your tire and wheel are another common mechanical damage after a collision. You can easily identify if your tire and wheel have been damaged, as your it will be difficult to maneuver your vehicle steadily. On some occasions, the damage may be more hidden. In any case, if you notice anything discrepancies with your tire and wheel, you should get it checked out as it will make your vehicle unsafe to drive.
Find a Reliable Auto Shop for Mechanical Damage
It’s difficult to pinpoint the source of mechanical damage when inspecting our vehicles ourselves. This is why taking your car to reputable collision repair shops after an accident is necessary to detect these damages and repair them immediately. Mechanical damage should not be taken lightly and should be dealt with by professionals.
