Accidents are an unfortunate part of driving, whether they are minor fender benders or more serious collisions. Even if you think the damage is minimal, collisions can cause hidden problems that affect your vehicle’s safety, performance, and value. While some signs of collision damage are immediately apparent, others might not be as easy to detect, leaving drivers unaware of the need for repairs until the issue worsens. This is why it’s essential to be proactive when it comes to assessing your vehicle after any type of accident, no matter how minor it may seem.

At Premium Auto Body & Collision Repair Services in Aurora, CO, we are committed to helping drivers restore their vehicles to their pre-accident condition. Our team of expert technicians is trained to handle all types of collision damage—whether it’s a minor scratch or a major structural issue. We provide top-quality auto body and collision repair services for both personal and commercial vehicles, offering a seamless experience from start to finish.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top 10 signs that your vehicle may need collision repair. These signs are essential to look out for after any accident, as they can indicate underlying damage that may not be immediately visible. By recognizing these symptoms early on, you can take swift action to prevent further damage, avoid costly repairs, and ensure your vehicle’s safety.

Remember, even small damages can lead to bigger problems down the road if they are left untreated. That’s why it’s always best to schedule an appointment with an experienced collision repair specialist as soon as you notice any of the signs we’ve outlined. Whether it’s visible body damage, changes in performance, or potential safety concerns, our team at Premium Auto Body & Collision Repair Services is here to help you get back on the road with peace of mind. Let’s dive into the top 10 signs that your vehicle needs collision repair, so you can make informed decisions about your car’s repair needs.

Visible Damage to the Body Panels

After a collision, one of the first things you’ll likely notice is visible damage to the exterior of your vehicle. Dents, scratches, bent or cracked body panels, and even larger holes in the metal or plastic are clear indicators that collision repair is needed.

While some minor scratches or small dents might not seem too concerning, any damage to the body panels can impact the vehicle’s integrity, aerodynamics, and even safety. More importantly, untreated cosmetic damage can lead to rust and corrosion over time, especially if your car is exposed to moisture or salt.

What to Do

If you notice visible damage to your vehicle’s body, bring it to Premium Auto Body & Collision Repair Services in Aurora, CO. Our team will assess the damage, provide you with a detailed repair estimate, and restore your vehicle’s appearance and functionality.

Misaligned or Uneven Doors, Hood, or Trunk

If your doors, hood, or trunk no longer open or close properly after an accident, it’s a strong indication that there’s structural damage to the frame or hinges. In some cases, the misalignment may be subtle, such as doors that no longer align evenly with the vehicle’s body or a trunk that sticks when you try to close it.

Misalignment can result from a bent frame, which is a serious issue that can affect your vehicle’s safety and driving performance. The structural integrity of the vehicle is compromised when the frame is out of alignment, and it may cause long-term issues with other components, including suspension and alignment.

What to Do

If you notice any misalignment, it’s crucial to schedule a professional inspection with our experienced collision repair specialists. We can assess the frame for damage and perform necessary repairs to ensure your vehicle’s doors, hood, and trunk open and close smoothly.

Cracked or Shattered Windshield

A cracked or shattered windshield is a common consequence of a collision, and it’s a critical sign that your vehicle needs collision repair. Even a small crack can compromise the structural integrity of your windshield and pose a safety hazard, especially during sudden stops or accidents.

A damaged windshield can impede visibility and reduce the effectiveness of your vehicle’s airbags. Moreover, a compromised windshield can be more prone to further cracking, especially if you live in an area with extreme temperature fluctuations.

What to Do

If your windshield is cracked or shattered, contact Premium Auto Body & Collision Repair Services as soon as possible. We can help you with windshield repair or replacement to restore your vehicle’s safety and visibility.

Unusual Noises While Driving

After an accident, you might notice strange noises when you drive, such as rattling, squeaking, or grinding sounds. These noises can indicate several things, such as misaligned components, damaged suspension, or issues with your vehicle’s frame.

For example, if your suspension system is damaged, it could result in rattling or clunking noises while driving over bumps. A bent frame or damaged undercarriage could also result in grinding noises. These issues not only affect the comfort and handling of your vehicle, but they can also lead to more significant and costly repairs if not addressed quickly.

What to Do

If you notice any unusual noises while driving, schedule a collision repair inspection. Our expert technicians will thoroughly examine your vehicle’s suspension, frame, and other critical components to determine the cause of the noise and repair it accordingly.

Uneven Tire Wear or Misalignment

If your vehicle has been in a collision and you’re noticing uneven tire wear or steering issues, it could indicate that your wheels are misaligned. Misalignment is a common result of accidents that affect the suspension, steering components, or frame.

When the wheels are out of alignment, it can cause your tires to wear unevenly, resulting in reduced tire lifespan, poor fuel efficiency, and compromised handling. Misalignment can also lead to a steering pull, where the vehicle drifts to one side, making it more difficult to keep the car straight on the road.

What to Do

Have your vehicle’s alignment checked by a professional. If there’s damage to the suspension or steering components, collision repair experts at Premium Auto Body & Collision Repair Services will ensure everything is aligned and functioning correctly.

Airbag Warning Light Is On

If the airbag warning light on your dashboard comes on after a collision, it’s an important sign that the airbags or related components may be damaged or malfunctioning. Even if the airbags deployed during the collision, there could still be underlying issues with the system that need to be addressed.

The airbag system is crucial for your safety in the event of a future accident. If the system is not functioning properly, your airbags might not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in an accident.

What to Do

If the airbag warning light is on, schedule a collision repair inspection right away. Our technicians will evaluate the airbag system to ensure all components are in working order and ready to protect you in case of another accident.

Fluid Leaks

After a collision, it’s possible that your vehicle could experience fluid leaks, such as oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, or coolant. Fluid leaks are a serious sign of internal damage to the vehicle’s engine or undercarriage components.

If you notice fluid pooling beneath your vehicle after an accident, it’s essential to have the issue addressed immediately. Fluid leaks can cause further damage to critical components and compromise your vehicle’s overall performance and safety.

What to Do

If you spot a fluid leak, bring your vehicle to Premium Auto Body & Collision Repair Services. Our technicians will identify the source of the leak and perform the necessary repairs to prevent further damage.

Decreased Performance or Handling

After a collision, you may notice that your vehicle no longer performs as well as it did before the accident. This could manifest as poor acceleration, difficulty turning, or a noticeable decline in overall handling.

These performance issues often stem from damage to the suspension system, frame, or alignment. If your vehicle is handling poorly or feels unstable on the road, it could be unsafe to drive until the issue is resolved.

What to Do

If you notice any performance or handling issues, bring your vehicle in for a comprehensive collision repair evaluation. We’ll diagnose the problem and restore your vehicle’s driving performance.

Damage to the Undercarriage

Damage to the undercarriage of your vehicle is often hidden from view, making it more difficult to detect after a collision. However, the undercarriage is crucial for supporting your vehicle’s weight and ensuring that critical systems, such as the exhaust and transmission, function properly.

A damaged undercarriage can affect the vehicle’s structural integrity, fuel efficiency, and safety. Driving with an impaired undercarriage could also result in additional damage to other components of the vehicle.

What to Do

Have the undercarriage thoroughly inspected for damage after a collision. At Premium Auto Body & Collision Repair Services, we can assess the undercarriage and repair any damage to ensure the vehicle’s safety and reliability.

Check Engine Light Is On

If the check engine light turns on after a collision, it could indicate a range of issues, from minor to severe. In some cases, a collision can damage the vehicle’s sensors or wiring, which may trigger the check engine light.

While some issues may be minor, others could be related to critical systems, such as the engine or transmission. Ignoring the check engine light could lead to more significant problems that could compromise your vehicle’s safety and performance.

What to Do

If the check engine light comes on, bring your vehicle in for a diagnostic inspection. Our collision repair specialists will determine the cause of the warning light and perform any necessary repairs to get your vehicle running smoothly again.

Conclusion

If you’ve been involved in a collision—whether it’s a major accident or a minor fender bender—it’s essential to address any potential damage promptly to ensure that your vehicle remains safe, reliable, and fully functional. Even seemingly small issues, such as a minor dent or a scratch, can hide underlying damage that could worsen over time if not addressed. The signs we’ve discussed above are some of the most common indicators that your vehicle needs collision repair, but it’s important to keep in mind that each accident is unique. The damage may not always be immediately visible or may present itself in subtle ways that require a trained eye to detect.

By staying vigilant and recognizing the signs of damage early, you can prevent additional issues that may compromise your safety or lead to costly repairs down the road. Whether it’s a crack in your windshield, misalignment of doors, or a hidden undercarriage issue, these problems can affect your car’s performance, structural integrity, and resale value. Ignoring them could result in more significant repairs in the future, not to mention the safety risks associated with driving a vehicle that’s not in optimal condition.

At Premium Auto Body & Collision Repair Services in Aurora, CO, we specialize in providing comprehensive collision repair services for both personal and commercial vehicles. Our skilled team of technicians is equipped with the knowledge and tools to assess your vehicle thoroughly, identify any issues—visible or hidden—and restore it to its original condition. We understand the inconvenience of being without your vehicle, so we strive to make the repair process as fast and stress-free as possible. Our goal is to get you back on the road quickly, safely, and with the confidence that your vehicle is in top shape.

If you notice any of the signs we’ve highlighted in this post, don’t wait for the damage to escalate. It’s always better to act sooner rather than later when it comes to collision repairs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a detailed inspection and professional repair service. Let us help you restore your vehicle to perfection and ensure it’s in the best possible condition for your safety and peace of mind. Whether it’s a quick fix or more extensive repairs, Premium Auto Body & Collision Repair Services is here to support you every step of the way.