After an accident, it can be tricky to determine whether your car is safe to drive or if it needs to be towed. Sometimes, damage isn’t immediately visible, and certain issues may not be obvious until you start driving. That’s why it’s important to assess your vehicle carefully to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here’s a guide to help you decide if your car is safe to drive after a collision:
Inspect for Exterior Damage
Start by inspecting the exterior of your vehicle. While some exterior damage, like dents and scratches, don’t affect your car’s driveability, more serious damage can present significant safety concerns. When conducting an exterior damage assessment, check for:
- Broken headlights and side mirrors
- Shattered windows
- Damaged wheels and tires
- Misaligned bumpers
- Crumpled panels
These types of damage can affect your car’s structural integrity, visibility and safety features, making it unsafe to drive. For example, crumpled door panels can also indicate other issues, like frame misalignment, which could make the vehicle more difficult to control and, ultimately, unsafe to drive.
Check for Interior Damage
It’s as important to check the interior of your car for damage as it is to check the exterior. Interior damage can just as easily compromise the safety of your vehicle. If the airbags have deployed, this is a clear sign that your vehicle has seen significant impact, which could indicate other underlying damage. It also means that your car is no longer equipped with functioning airbags to protect you and your passengers. Also, inspect the seatbelts for any signs of damage or malfunction. Warning lights on the dash, especially related to the brakes, tires, airbags or engine, could also be a strong indication that maintenance is needed before the car is safe to drive.
Look Under the Hood
Take a look under the hood for signs of damage such as leaking fluids, which could include oil, coolant, brake fluid or gasoline. These leaks can present safety issues, including fire hazards and potential engine failure. Listen for strange noises, such as hissing or grinding, and look to see if the car is emitting steam or smoke. These are red flags that something in the engine or exhaust system may be damaged. If your car has trouble starting up or makes unusual sounds when running, these are all signs that you should have your car taken to an auto body repair shop.
Signs of Poor Drivability
Even if there are minimal signs of damage to your car’s exterior, interior or under the hood, there may still be drivability issues. Pay attention to how the car handles. If it pulls to one side, the steering feels unresponsive, or you notice strange vibrations or noises, there are likely mechanical issues that require professional repair. If the brakes feel soft or make a grinding noise, the brakes may be compromised, meaning the car is unsafe to drive any further. If you notice your car feels different or more difficult to control after an accident, it should be taken to a collision center for a technician to assess.
When to Get a Professional Inspection
Even after you’ve done your own damage assessment, it’s always best to get a professional inspection, especially if you’re still questioning whether it’s safe to drive. A trained technician can find hidden damage, estimate repair costs and timelines, and determine whether the car is safe to drive. Professional assessments not only protect you from further risks but also give you peace of mind, knowing your car has been properly evaluated before getting back on the road.
At Curreri Collision, we’ve been helping drivers get back on the road safely for over 30 years. Our experienced team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to properly assess damage, identify hidden issues and guide you through the repair and insurance claims process with ease. With advanced equipment and a strong commitment to customer service, we make dealing with post-accident damage stress-free. Contact our Rhode Island auto body repair shop today to get an estimate.