If you’re wondering whether there’s hidden damage to your car, or if you’ve been in an accident with someone else’s car, then this article is for you.
There are a number of symptoms which may indicate hidden damage and ways to avoid it.
If your headlights dim without warning, the interior light flickers when the engine is turned off, or the lights on your tail lights do not work- these are all signs that something might be wrong with your vehicle. If you’ve been in an accident, there’s a good chance that the other party’s insurance company will try to find hidden damage on it.
In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms of hidden damage and some techniques you can use to get your vehicle repaired properly.
How to Know If There’s Hidden Damage on Your Car
One of the best indications that something is wrong with your car can be an odor. Some odor-causing substances could be potentially harmful to your health.
Fumes from fluids that are leaking into the air, such as oil and transmission fluid, and so on. Normally, these smells contain chemicals which are poisonous to humans.
Your car’s air conditioning may not work properly and there may be moisture inside the vents of the car. This can be a sign of an electrical problem or a leak in the system, which can lead to mold or rot.
Other common issues that could indicate that there’s hidden damage on your car include:
Squeaking noises, especially when you reach the speed limit. This usually indicates that there is something wrong with your suspension system. Sometimes it also indicates that there’s hidden damage on your engine.
Vehicle starts making strange noises. It won’t go back to normal unless the problem is fixed.
Preventing Hidden Damage on Your Car
In the event of an accident with another vehicle, chances are that there will be some hidden damage. If you wish to avoid paying for it, then consider having your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic before you go to the insurance company.
In some cases, this can significantly reduce your insurance premium.
If you do not want to pay for hidden damage on your car, you should consider having more than one insurance policy. The policy that you have should cover hidden damage. You should also try to negotiate with the other party’s insurance company before you go to court.
How Much Should Hidden Damage Cost?
The amount of hidden damage cost will depend on the condition of your car as well as the extent of damage caused by the accident with another vehicle. If there are major damages, like a destroyed engine or transmission, then it may cost a lot more money.
However, if the damage is only cosmetic and not related to the engine and transmission of your car, then it will cost less.
Hidden damage should be covered if you purchased your vehicle from a dealer. If you purchased it from a private seller, then there are no guarantees that you will be reimbursed for any hidden damage.
How to Search for Hidden Damage on Your Car Yourself
There are some things that you can check yourself when it comes to hidden damage on your car.
Take a look at the following steps:
- Check your headlights, taillights, and indicator lights
- Check for leaks and leaks under your car
- Check for rusting in places where it doesn’t usually exist
- Check the condition of your fuel system
Structural damage
If you notice that your car won’t roll back, then this is another sign of hidden damage. In the event of an accident with another vehicle, try to ascertain as much information on which vehicle you’re involved in an accident with and when. Don’t forget to take pictures of the other vehicle as well.
Check for any noticeable damage on your car’s paint. Check for any flakes of paint or damages on the hood and front bumper, particularly if they were hit by a traffic sign or a streetlight. If you notice any rust on these parts of the car, then there is a good chance that your front end has some hidden damage.
Engine Sound, Smells and Vibration
There are other things you can check yourself as well. If you hear excessive knocking or hear noises that you’re not familiar with, check your engine for any unusual sounds and check where the noise is coming from.
In the event of a collision, water may have been thrown into the engine compartment. In some cases, this water can create a vibration inside your engine or cause it to overheat. If so, there will be an unusual sound or a knock in your engine.
Another thing to check is the transmission of your car. Transmission fluid should not be leaking after an accident for the most part.
However, there are other reasons for it to leak as well. In the event of an accident with another vehicle, check for any unusual sounds in the transmission and check for any leakage. This is a sign of damage to your transmission system.
Take these few steps to try and then you will avoid hidden damage on your car. We hope this article was useful for you and your vehicle.