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Types of Hidden Damage Caused by Fender Benders

Auto collision - Fender bender damage

Rear-end collisions currently rank as the most prevalent type of car accident according to renowned statistics such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wherein nearly 30 percent of them are classified as “rear-enders”. It is typically described as vehicles that are either stationary, creeping along at the pace of a snail, typically due to a tailgating driver failing to keep a safe distance, resulting in events of minor collisions known as “fender-benders”. 

What are “fender-benders”? It involves low-speed collisions of vehicles, such as rear-end collisions or minor sideswipes, where the impact is not severe enough but typically results in damage to the fenders, bumpers, or other exterior body panels of the vehicles, rather than more serious damage to the engine, frame, or occupants.  They could leave hidden damages behind the scenes, waiting to rear their ugly heads down the road.

This is why it is crucial to get a thorough inspection of your vehicle after any rear-end collision, no matter how minor it may seem to be. It is best to call collision repair experts to know the actual state of your car and uncover hidden damages behind it. At First Choice Paint and Body, we are here to serve and give you the best possible treatment for your car after an accident, head-on collision, or fender bender damage. After all, it’s better to catch those hidden issues early on than to deal with the headaches and expenses later.

Moving ahead, written below are the types of Hidden Damages Caused by Fender Benders and why addressing them promptly is essential to your precious vehicle.

Types of Hidden Damage Caused by Fender Benders graphic

Frame Misalignment

This type of damage can occur as a result of the force exerted during a fender bender, with the impact sufficient to cause the vehicle’s frame to shift or bend slightly out of its original alignment. Several other factors that can contribute to frame misalignment of your car are:

Crumple Zones

These are areas of the vehicle, engineered carefully to deform and absorb energy in cases of collision, thereby protecting occupants/passengers. Deformation of these can lead to misalignment of the vehicle’s frame.

Bumper Mounting Points

The mounting points of vehicle bumpers can shift or bend in cases of fender benders, thereby affecting the alignment of the frame.

Secondary Collisions

Other than a direct impact on the frame of the vehicle, a fender bender can still result in secondary collisions or forces that can cause misalignment of the frame.

Fluid Leaks

This type of damage can occur because of the damage as a result of the impact of a fender bender,  sustained by various components of the vehicle’s mechanical systems, such as the undercarriage and various fluid-carrying components. Fender Benders can also cause damage to the fluid reservoir which is located within the front or rear bumper areas.

Electrical System Damage

Due to the impact transferring force throughout a vehicle’s structure, an electrical system damage can occur such as in the wiring and electronic components. In addition to that, the sudden deceleration and jarring motion associated with a fender bender can also create vibrations and shocks that affect the vehicle’s electrical system. These then can cause wiring to chafe, insulation to degrade, and connections to loosen, leading to intermittent electrical faults or complete system failures.

Airbag Sensor Malfunction

This can occur due to the impact of a fender bender, damaging and affecting the vehicle’s delicate electronic systems responsible for detecting collisions and deploying airbags. It can also cause body panels to shift or deform, thereby potentially affecting the alignment or integrity of the sensors mounted within them. Direct impacts to the sensor housings or mounting points of a vehicle can cause physical damage that impairs their functionality.

Time to Get the Best Auto Repair in San Antonio

We understand that experiencing a fender bender can be a disorienting experience, leaving you grappling and struggling with both the immediate aftermath and potential long-term repercussions to your vehicle. At First Choice Paint & Body, we believe that the complexities involved in these situations needs our comprehensive solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Our primary objective is to ease your burden during these stressful times by providing affordable and transparent repair services designed to address the full scope of damages resulting from fender benders. From minor dents to hidden structural issues, our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that your vehicle receives the attention it deserves.

Trust us to deliver prompt and effective solutions to meet all your repair requirements. Contact us at First Choice Paint & Body for expert assistance in navigating these challenges and restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

 

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