It’s common for vehicles to suffer damage in the aftermath of an accident. Some types of problems are evident to the naked eye. However, there’s also the risk that your car may experience hidden problems that affect your safety on the road. A professional specializing in auto body repairs can determine the scope of the damage and provide a fix. Here are three common problems you may not see right away.

Common Types of Hidden Car Damage Due to Accidents

1. Trunk Damage

If the trunk is rear-ended, you can usually see the resulting physical damage to the body of your car. At the same time, there are several issues that may occur as a consequence of the collision — even without any body damage. Among the most common are problems opening the trunk, issues with the lid opening by itself, and difficulty locking the trunk. Since it can be a hazard if the trunk opens on its own, it’s crucial to visit an auto body repair technician after an accident, even if you don’t see any visible damage.

2. Electrical Damage

The electrical components in your vehicle rely on securely connected wiring to stay functional. Even a minor collision or low degree of impact could cause enough force to loosen the connection. That may affect everything from the taillights to the headlights to the radio’s ability to work normally. Malfunctioning lights are a critical issue, since they’re designed to alert drivers when you stop the car and to help you see in the darkness. 

3. Rust Formation

Iron oxidizes whenever it’s exposed to oxygen. This problem is more likely to occur if the paint on the car is scratched after an accident. You can’t always see more minuscule scratches, but over time they can wear away further and leave more metal exposed to the elements. The more rust that forms, the quicker it may cause the vehicle’s most important parts to fail. This includes far more than just the structure. It can also affect anything from the engine to the suspension over time.
 

If you’re involved in an accident, visit Adrenaline Auto Body in West Salem, WI. These auto body repair technicians will check your vehicle thoroughly to ensure that it’s safe for you to drive. They’re trained to detect and resolve both the obvious and the hidden problems, so you can be certain that your vehicle is in the best condition possible. Visit the website for more information, or call (608) 350-6382 to schedule an appointment.