6 Problems Caused by A Fender Bender
November 19, 2021
What are the problems caused by a fender bender?
- Car scratches
- Deformed vehicle frame
- Alignment and suspension problems
- Engine damage
- Exhaust issues
- Electrical system damage
A fender bender is also known as a minor accident that occurs between vehicles. What the term ‘minor’ here might mean will depend, but getting bumped by a driver or getting rear-ended at low speeds are some common examples of this. Although this is considered a minor accident, the event can cause issues for your vehicle in the long run. Here are some of the problems caused by a fender bender. Keep on reading!
Car Scratches
Even if you only got involved in a minor accident, your vehicle is likely to sustain scratches and dings. Because the protective layer of your car is damaged, environmental elements can easily penetrate and cause the surface to rust. A few rough washes might also exacerbate the problem. That’s why it might seem simple, but ignoring and delaying the issue is not the best option.
While it’s tempting to apply touch-up paint on the scratches, it’s recommended to bring your vehicle to a professional so the problem can be thoroughly fixed. Fortunately, this is easy to repair compared to other problems.
Deformed Vehicle Frame
Even a minor collision at low speeds can lead to a deformed vehicle frame. If neglected, this could lead to other problems for your car. For instance, if you just recently got in a minor accident, the damage to the frame might impact the latch mechanism on the door. When this happens, the door can pop open unknowingly when you’re on the road.
That’s why if your vehicle suffers from a slight deformation, make sure to have everything checked by a mechanic before you continue using it.
Alignment and Suspension Problems
If you got involved in a fender bender, some of the problems you could experience are a misaligned vehicle and difficulties with your suspension system. This occurs when your vehicle tends to drift into one direction even if you’re driving straight ahead. Other than that, you might also feel every bump on the road. If you’re lucky, inflating an underinflated tire or rotating them can fix the issue. But in some cases, the problem is more severe.
This is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous for you and the motorists around you. Once you get distracted, you might lose control of the vehicle. Other than that, the tires and other components suffer extra strain from trying to keep your vehicle aligned. This can lead to a tire blowout while on the road. In this situation, you’ll hear a loud explosion followed by a sudden jerk to one side.
Engine Damage
Even a minor front-end collision can lead to serious problems for your vehicle. Aside from a deformed frame, there could be some potential engine and transmission damage sustained too. There might be no symptoms today but you could experience serious problems in the future.
Because internal damage isn’t always obvious, be alert for any changes after you got involved in a fender bender accident. Once you hear strange sounds, experience loss of engine performance, and the like, you should call a mechanic to check your engine.
Exhaust Issues
Some of the most common issues with a rear-end collision are exhaust pipe dents or deformation. It might look like a minor problem at first, but the exhaust system is responsible for the toxic emission produced when you use your vehicle. When something in the system is damaged, this capability is affected.
A deformed tailpipe can lead to serious problems — such as harmful fumes that penetrate inside the cabin and reduced fuel economy.
Electrical System Damage
Even a fender bender can disrupt the delicate and fragile wiring systems and tech devices in your vehicle. For instance, most new vehicles have a fuse box under the hood which could be damaged in a collision. There might also be bumper sensors that would malfunction after the event.
To detect the extent of the electrical system damage, you can give your vehicle a physical inspection. There might be some wiring connectors that are pulled apart that you can easily attach together. But other than this, there might also be some hidden problems that are harder to diagnose so you should call a professional.
Key Takeaway
It might just be a minor collision, but neglecting the problems caused by a fender bender can cause safety issues and expensive repair costs in the future. That’s why if you got involved in this situation, make sure to have your vehicle thoroughly checked by a mechanic. This way, they can spot problems that might be hard to diagnose just by looking at your vehicle.
Aside from repairs, some components might also need to be replaced entirely to make your vehicle safe and functional again. If you’re in need of some vehicle parts, you can contact us here at Roberts. We are a trusted automotive part supplier with a strong portfolio of clients in the car and motorcycle maker industry.
