Vehicular accidents, including what’s considered to be “minor,” can lead to a lot of damage to several vehicle parts. Practically everyone knows that the airbag will need replacement if it was deployed, and to be checked up on if it wasn’t because of the accident. Other components should also be inspected as well, in case repairs or a replacement are in order.
Read on to learn more about which areas need to be looked into or replaced after a vehicular accident.
Assistive Technology
Accidents are less likely when Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are in place. That’s because of components such as blind spot detectors, which beep before the car can hit anything as it backs up (as one example). It’s important that those systems are brought to the quality and condition they’d been in prior to the accident. Even cars that seem alright may not be working as well as they normally could.
Don’t discount the technology that comes with modern vehicles! This includes cameras, radars, and sensors that can be disturbed by the slightest occurrences. The driver can end up in a rather precarious situation if there’s damage to the vehicle that impacts the cameras or sensors.
Driveability and Suspension
It is not normal for a car to have oddities post-accident. If there are issues with the handling or weird noises you can’t place, pay attention. What you might not be seeing can include the car’s suspension and other components. Anything weird or that was not there prior to whatever the incident was should be reported to professionals. That way, a more thorough diagnosis, and action plan can be taken for your car to be fully “good as new.”
Seat Belts
For the most part, seat belt webbing is overlooked. It might be due to a false sense of security that they’re indestructible. The truth is: they’re really not, and replacement seat belts may be in order. Did the accident trigger the airbags? If the answer is yes, then the seat belts absolutely need to get looked over as well. Chances are, you’ll have to deal with a fault error code related to the entire system of the seat belt.
Trouble Code Diagnostics
Make sure that the place you’re bringing your car to get checked up on is certified with an Automotive Service of Excellence. They’re the ones that should have OEM (original equipment manufacturer) repair information. Chances are DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) were triggered, so they should also have scanning devices to find those and address them accordingly. A proper professional technician will be able to get error codes by connecting the vehicle to a computer system that helps to pinpoint concerns.
Don’t take it for granted. Just because there’s no dash light warning sign, things are hunky-dory. There may be underlying issues that need immediate attention.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, even a “minor” car accident can lead to internal damage. Seat belt replacement may be in order even without a dash light. Be sure to inspect the assistive technology and have trouble code diagnostics explored as well.
If you’ve been in a vehicular accident and you need replacement seat belts, reach out to Safety Restore! We’re the world’s leader in post-accident restoration.
