Fender benders are the most common kind of accident, and generally, they don’t cause much damage. Most of time time, it’s a good idea to go to the doctor anyway to get yourself checked out because sometimes things, like whiplash, don’t show outward signs immediately. But what about your car?
Sometimes, even small things caused by an minor car accident can lead to big things under the hood that you may not notice right away. It’s important to keep an eye on things, even after a small accident. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be time to have your car checked out, and make sure to mention the details of the accident when you do. Always have the other party’s insurance and contact information, just in case!
If your battery is rapidly losing energy…
Whether your battery dies suddenly, your car won’t start, or you notice you lights are less powerful than before, your battery issues may have been caused by a minor collision. Even a small impact can be enough to shift your battery out of position and make it work overtime or cause it to short, meaning you’ll need to replace it much sooner than you would have otherwise.
If your check engine light flickers…
Your check engine light is there as a warning that something is wrong with your engine and it’s never a good idea to ignore it. Small issues may be symptoms of larger ones, or, they can expand and morph into big issues when ignored. Have you vehicle examined if you notice your check engine light is illuminated or flickering.
If you notice the alignment is off…
Alignment is another issue that can start small and quickly spiral out of control. If, however, your alignment is noticeably off following a minor crash, have it checked out so you don’t cause unnecessary wear on your tires, suspension, and brakes.
If you notice a new leak under your car…
Sometimes the smallest accidents can happen in just the right place and nick the oil line, the radiator, or the air conditioner… Cars are not meant to leak liquids – they need them to run properly! If you notice a leak, have your car inspected to find the source.
