Even a small bump or scrape can cause more damage than you might think. What looks like a tiny scratch on the surface could be hiding bigger problems underneath. Here are five clear signs that your car needs professional attention after any kind of accident, no matter how minor it seemed.
1. Paint Damage and Scratches
The most obvious sign is damage to your car’s paintwork. This might look like scratches, chips, or areas where the paint has been scraped away. Even small scratches can let water and salt get to the metal underneath, which leads to rust over time.
Don’t ignore paint damage – it’s not just about how your car looks. If you can see the metal or plastic underneath the paint, you need to get it fixed quickly. Our car scratch repair services can restore your paintwork to its original condition.
2. Dents and Body Panel Issues
Dents come in all shapes and sizes. Some are easy to spot, whilst others might be quite subtle. Check your car carefully after any bump, even if it seemed gentle. Look for areas where the metal has been pushed in or pulled out of shape.
Pay special attention to panel gaps – these are the spaces between different parts of your car’s body, like between the door and the wing. If these gaps look uneven or different from before the accident, it means your car’s structure might have been affected.
3. Problems with Doors, Windows, or Boot
After a bump, check that all your doors, windows, and boot open and close properly. If they stick, make strange noises, or don’t line up correctly, this could mean the car’s frame has been bent or twisted.
Windows should go up and down smoothly. If they’re slow or make grinding sounds, the accident might have affected the door frame. The same goes for your boot – it should close flush with the rest of the car.
4. Lights That Don’t Work Properly
Your car’s lights are crucial for safety, so check them all after any accident. This includes headlights, tail lights, indicators, and hazard lights. Even if the light covers look fine, the bulbs or wiring inside might have been damaged.
Cracked or broken light covers need immediate attention. They can let water in, which damages the electrical parts inside. Plus, faulty lights can make your car unsafe and illegal to drive.
5. Changes in How Your Car Drives
This is perhaps the most important sign to watch for. If your car feels different when you drive it after an accident, something might be wrong with important safety systems.
Pay attention to things like the steering wheel pulling to one side, unusual vibrations, or strange noises when you brake or turn. These could be signs that your car’s alignment, suspension, or other mechanical parts have been damaged.
According to the RAC’s car accident advice guide, even minor accidents can affect your car’s handling and safety systems, so it’s always worth having a professional inspection if you notice any changes in how your vehicle drives.
What to Do Next
If you spot any of these signs after an accident, don’t wait to get help. Even small problems can become expensive repairs if you leave them too long. More importantly, damaged safety systems put you and your passengers at risk.
At Infiniti Motor Group, we’re fully approved by all major insurance companies and can handle your entire claim from start to finish. Our expert technicians use the latest equipment and manufacturer-approved methods to get your car back to perfect condition.
We understand that being without your car is inconvenient, which is why we offer courtesy cars to keep you mobile whilst we carry out your repairs. Our team will work directly with your insurance company to make the whole process as smooth as possible for you.
Don’t let a minor bump turn into a major headache. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, contact us today for a professional assessment. We’ll give you honest advice about what needs fixing and help you get your car back to its best.
