Minor fender benders are a part of driving. No matter how careful you are out on the road, at some point you’ll experience minor mishaps. 

Fender benders are usually minor accidents that happen at slower speeds or even while parked. When you hop out and take a look at your car, it might not look like much. You might not notice anything at all. 

But this is your car. And safety should always be number one priority.  

Whether it’s a tap as you’re pulling out of a parking space, or a minor altercation out on the road, your first step is to ensure safety. That means bringing it in and allowing a trained mechanic to inspect it and fix anything that may impact your drive. 

Alignment Issues

Alignment issues might not be immediately apparent to the naked eye, but they can lead to significant problems over time. It can cause:

• Wheel misalignment – small impacts can shift the wheels out of alignment, causing your car to pull to one side. 
• Suspension damage – any of the suspension components – control arms, shocks, struts – can be damaged or bent. 
• Tires – when your wheels are misaligned, it often leads to uneven tire wear. This can reduce tire life and affect your vehicle handling. 
• Steering – fender benders can affect the steering wheel position, causing it to be off-center even if it appears to be driving straight.
• Vibrations – misalignment can cause vibrations when driving at higher speeds. If it’s shaking and rattling, it can impact many components throughout your vehicle. 

One of our mechanics will first visually inspect the suspension components, tires, and steering system for obvious signs of damage or wear. Using alignment equipment, the mechanic will measure the angles of the wheels to see if they meet the manufacturer’s specifications.

Then we’ll inspect suspension parts such as control arms, tie rods, shocks, and struts for bends, cracks, or other damage. The tires will be checked for uneven wear patterns, which are indicative of alignment issues. The steering rack, tie rods, and other related components will be examined for damage or wear.

Whew – that’s a lot that could be potentially wrong, and you didn’t even see it!

Engine Problems

A lot of things can happen in the engine compartment that aren’t immediately visible. Yet the engine is one of the most essential systems! A fender bender can cause:

• Radiator and cooling system damage – the impact from your fender bender can cause the radiator to crack or develop leaks, which can lead to overheating.
• Hoses and belts – the force of the collision can dislodge or damage hoses and belts connected to the engine, leading to leaks or loss of function.
• Fluid leaks – engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, or other vital fluids can leak from damaged reservoirs or lines.
• Electrical components – sensors and wiring can be jarred loose or damaged, causing malfunctions in engine management systems.
• Engine mounts – the mounts that secure the engine to the chassis can be cracked or broken, leading to misalignment and vibration.
• Air intake and exhaust – the air intake system or exhaust components can be damaged, affecting engine performance and emissions.

One of our mechanics will perform a thorough visual check of the engine bay for apparent signs of damage, leaks, or dislodged components. Then we’ll move to checking the levels and condition of engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and other fluids to ensure there are no leaks or contamination. Then it’s on to inspecting the radiator, hoses, and cooling fans for damage or leaks that could affect engine temperature regulation.

Using diagnostic tools, we’ll check for any faults in the sensors, wiring, or other electronic components connected to the engine. We’ll inspect all belts and hoses for wear, damage, or displacement, and the engine mounts for cracks, breaks, or signs of shifting. We’ll ensure the air intake is clear of obstructions and the exhaust system is intact and functioning properly.

You can’t drive if your engine isn’t in proper working condition. We won’t let you drive away until it’s all inspected. 

Electrical System Damage

Sometimes it’s not about the structure. You notice problems with your lights, or the way your car turns on, or your windows won’t roll down. There’s a lot in your vehicle connected to the electrical system. That tiny nudge from behind might have knocked something loose. 

• Sensor damage – a minor impact can damage or dislodge sensors like those for airbags, ABS, parking assistance, and more.
• Wiring harness damage – wires can be pinched, cut, or disconnected, leading to electrical shorts or open circuits.
• Battery and alternator issues – the jolt from the collision can damage the battery or alternator, affecting the vehicle’s electrical supply.
• Fuses and relays – the impact might cause fuses to blow or relays to malfunction, leading to loss of power to certain systems.
• Lighting damage – headlights, tail lights, and indicator lights can be damaged or dislodged, causing them to malfunction.
• Control modules – the collision can affect electronic control modules (ECMs) that manage various vehicle systems, causing erratic behavior.

And this is just the start. Many drivers don’t realize how much of their vehicle is controlled by the electrical system … until it doesn’t work. We understand this and will test and inspect to ensure everything is working. 

We’ll perform a thorough check of the engine bay, undercarriage, and interior for any obvious signs of electrical damage or dislodged components. Using an OBD-II scanner to read any error codes from the vehicle’s computer systems, we’ll look for any indicators of specific problems. We’ll check the condition of wiring harnesses for any signs of wear, pinching, or disconnection.

Then we’ll test sensors related to critical systems like airbags, ABS, and parking assistance to ensure they function correctly. We’ll test the battery and alternator to ensure they are providing proper power and charging correctly. We’ll inspect and test fuses and relays to ensure they are intact and functioning as they should. We’ll check all external and internal lights to ensure they are operational.

You might not realize just how much of a car is controlled by the electrical system. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. 

Have a Fender Bender? Don’t Worry!

We understand any accident can be worrisome. But you’re safe. Your passengers are safe. Now it’s time to ensure your vehicle is safe too. 

Even if you aren’t bringing it in for auto body repair, it’s still worth your time to let one of our mechanics give it a lookover. We’ll inspect it and check everything out so you can get back on the road safely and securely. 

It’s all about peace of mind.