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Can Minor Rear-End Collisions Cause Hidden Damage?

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Being in an accident can be scary no matter how big or little the accident was. When you are involved in a big accident where the back of your car is smashed in it is easy to see the damage. However, when you are in a little fender bender it may be harder to see the damage, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any damage. Many times the damage that your vehicle has sustained in a minor rear-end collision is hidden, that is to say, that it can’t be seen by just looking over the car fast. 

A fast glance over after an accident is usually the go-to way of checking if everything is ok. But this isn’t always effective. You may drive away thinking that everything is okay only to start hearing a weird noise coming from your car or feel the car begin to shake as you go down the road. The damage was hidden by the back bumper of the car and you were unable to see the parts that were damaged in the accident. 

The hidden damage is often worse than the cosmetic damage that your car sustains. That is why it is important to take your car into a collision center like Tachoir, right after you are involved in an accident. The technicians will be able to give your vehicle a thorough once over and find the damage that was hidden. 

Common Hidden Damages in Cars

Hidden damages are a common result of a collision. Here are three of the most common types of damages.

Electrical Damage

Rear-end collisions can have an impact on the wiring that affects crucial parts of your car such as your:

  • Brake lights
  • Battery
  • Taillights
  • Starter

When the back of your vehicle is hit it can knock the wiring that connects these parts to your car. Having this wiring system disrupted is dangerous for not only yourself but the other drivers around you as well. If your lights aren’t working then the cars around you will not be able to properly see you in low lights. 

This potential for danger is why you must get the wiring inspected after an accident. The wiring that has been knocked loose may not present as a problem right away but over time you will become a danger to those around you as your brake lights begin to fade. 

Trunk Damage 

Rear-end collisions tend to impact right around the trunk of your car. This shock of impact to your trunk can disrupt the effectiveness of the trunk. It may damage the trunks ability to lock and stay latched, this can lead to issues such as:

  • Not being able to open your trunk
  • Water leaking into your car, causing rust and mold to begin to form
  • The trunk popping open at random times, like when you are driving down the road.

All of these side effects to a trunk not latching properly put your safety in danger. If you can’t latch your car you are at risk of falling prey to thieves. If you can’t open your trunk you may not be able to access your spare tire when you need it. If your trunk pops open then you can’t see out of the back windshield as you drive. The list of potential dangers goes on. 

If you are in a rear-end collision in the Clairton and Jackson Hills, PA area and you notice a problem with your trunk then call and make an appointment with Tachoir. Our staff is committed to making sure that your vehicle is safe. 

Alignment Issues in Pittsburgh

Alignment issues are one of the most common issues that are found after being involved in a rear collision. A misalignment is caused by your vehicle is suddenly jarred or bumped, which is exactly what happens when you are involved in a rear-end collision. This bumping affects your tires, brakes, and suspension. If you notice that your car is pulling to one side, the steering feels wobbly or some vibrations weren’t there before the accident, your car’s alignment was probably affected by the accident. 

Once you notice these signs you need to make an appointment to get your alignment fixed with a trusted service center right away. Driving with a misaligned vehicle will wear your tires down unevenly, this puts you at a greater risk for having a tire blowout while driving. 

Car Repairs in Pittsburgh, PA

The repairs that you are going to need are going to depend on the damage that is found. These damages are going to determine the cost of your rear-end collision repairs. 

Getting your vehicle checked right after you were involved in a collision can help to reduce the cost of the repairs. When you drive a vehicle that has any of the aforementioned hidden damages they will only get worse as time goes on. Limiting this time ensures that you are not paying any more than you have to. 

If you are unsure if your vehicle was damaged, schedule an appointment with Tachoir today. You can do this by calling us at 412-233-3196, or by visiting us either in person in Clairton, PA, or through our website. Once you have scheduled an appointment with us, our highly qualified staff will look over your car and talk to you about the damage that is hidden behind your bumper. We believe in providing quality work and are here to help you through this stressful time.