What Should You Check on Your Car After a Collision

Car accidents, whether major or minor, can result in hidden damage that affects your vehicle’s performance. This is why it is crucial to prioritise safety and conduct thorough inspections after a collision. Even if the damage appears minor, there may be underlying issues that could compromise your safety on the road.  Following we will cover essential car inspections after an accident. This post-accident car inspection will help you in assessing your vehicle’s condition.

Post-Car Inspection After Accident

Car accidents can be unnerving and stressful events. However, ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy after a collision is important. This is why, you must know what to check after a car crash. Let’s find out how to perform a car inspection after the accident.

Ensure Personal Safety

Before inspecting your vehicle, prioritise your safety and the safety of others involved. Moreover, if the collision is severe, turn on your hazard lights, move to a safe location and call 911 or Saeed – the Accident Recovery Service if there are injuries. Once you have confirmed everyone’s well-being, proceed to accident damage assessment.  

Document the Scene

Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles involved, their positions and any relevant road signs or signals. This documentation is also crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Here is how you can report the accident in Dubai.

Check for Leaks

In car accident damage inspection you must check for any fluid leaks, such as oil, coolant, brake fluid or transmission fluid. Leaks can indicate damage to your vehicle’s engine or other critical components. If you notice any leaks, do not attempt to drive the vehicle, as it may be unsafe.

Assess External Damage

Visually examine your car for external damage, including:

• Dents and dings: Look for visible damage to the car’s body, such as dents or scratches.
• Cracked or shattered glass: Inspect all windows, including the windshield, side windows and rear window.
• Damaged lights: Check your headlights, taillights, turn signals and brake lights for any cracks or malfunctions.
• Misaligned parts: Look for signs of misalignment in the body panels, doors or bumpers.

Check Tyre Condition

Examine the condition of your tyres, including the spare tyre if applicable. Look for:

• Punctures or cuts
• Bulges or blisters on the sidewalls
• Uneven wear
• Proper inflation

Damaged or improperly inflated tyres can affect your vehicle’s handling and safety.

Verify Wheel Alignment

If you suspect wheel damage, such as bent or misaligned rims, your car’s steering and handling could be compromised. Have the wheel alignment checked by a professional to ensure safe driving.

Test Vehicle Systems

Start your car and check various systems, including:

• Brakes: Ensure your brakes respond as usual without unusual noises or vibrations.
• Steering: Verify that your steering wheel turns smoothly and the car tracks straight.
• Warning lights: Pay attention to warning lights on the dashboard, such as the check engine light or airbag light, which may indicate underlying problems. Besides, you can also install a forward collision warning system that can help you in applying emergency brakes when needed.

Review Airbag Deployment

If your vehicle has airbags, check if they deployed during the collision. Deployed airbags need replacement and a professional technician should handle this.

Inspect Under the Hood

If it’s safe to do so, open the hood and look for signs of damage to the engine, radiator, hoses and belts. Ensure there are no loose or disconnected parts that could lead to engine issues or overheating.

Drive Slowly and Listen

Before driving your car, take it for a short test drive in a safe area. Listen for any unusual noises, vibrations or handling problems that may not be immediately apparent. If you notice anything unusual, have your car inspected by a mechanic.

Repairs and Final Inspection

After all necessary repairs are completed, it’s essential to ensure that any tripped DTCs have been resolved before taking back your car. A final scan of the vehicle systems can provide peace of mind.

FAQs

What are the 3 follow-up steps you should take after a collision?

• Contact Your Insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident, even if you don’t plan to file a claim immediately. 
• Medical Evaluation: If you or anyone involved in the accident experiences injuries or discomfort, seek immediate medical attention.
• Vehicle Inspection: Have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to assess any hidden damage and ensure it’s safe to drive.

What are 5 things you should do if you’re involved in a collision?

1. Check for Injuries: Ensure everyone’s safety; call 911 if there are injuries.
2. Move to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe spot to prevent traffic disruptions.
3. Exchange Info: Share contact and insurance details with others involved; collect witness information if needed.
4. Document: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage and relevant signs.
5. Notify the Police: Report the accident to the police, even for minor incidents; a report aids insurance claims.

What should you look for after a front-end collision?

After a front-end collision, it’s essential to conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle. Check for visible damage to the front, including the bumper, grille, headlights and hood. Look under the vehicle for any fluid leaks, as they may indicate damage to the engine or radiator. You can also check the fluid leak colour and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.

Also, assess the alignment of your wheel by driving it to ensure it tracks straight and the steering wheel is centred; misalignment could be a sign of suspension or steering damage. Additionally, determine if the front airbags deployed during the collision, as deployed airbags often require professional replacement by a technician. For this, you must know how to repair airbags after the collision.

After a collision, it’s essential to prioritise safety and assess your vehicle’s condition thoroughly. Even minor accidents can lead to hidden damage that could compromise security on the road. By following the steps outlined above, you can identify potential issues and address them promptly for car inspections after an accident. 

Remember that safety always comes first, this is why if you are planning to buy a used car in the UAE and have any doubts about its condition, consult a professional mechanic. Do a thorough inspection and necessary repairs. You can also get car inspection services from dubizzle without being worried about the whole lengthy process.

Stay updated with the dubizzle leading auto blog for more safety tips.