Car accidents are stressful for everyone involved. Once the incident is over and the police report has been filed, vehicle owners wonder if they can drive their vehicle as usual or if they will need to schedule a towing service.
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not cut and dry. Whether your car is safe to operate after an accident depends on the extent of the damage to your vehicle. Here, we explain how to determine if your car will function properly after a car accident.
4 Questions to Ask Before Driving Your Car After an Accident
Before getting back on the road, you need to determine how damaged your car is. For example, if all the damage is cosmetic (chipped paint, dented doors, etc.), your vehicle may be safe to drive. However, if the damage is more extensive, such as engine damage, you should avoid driving your car and have it transported to a repair shop as soon as possible.
Run through this list of questions before driving a car that has been in an accident:
- Are your headlights and tail lights intact? Not only is it dangerous to drive with broken vehicle lights, but it’s also illegal. You could be pulled over and heavily fined for driving without working headlights and tail lights.
- Is your vehicle leaking fluids? Any fluids leaking from your car after an accident is never a good sign, and your vehicle should not be driven. A coolant or antifreeze leak could cause the engine to overheat, while an oil leak could damage the engine. A brake fluid leak could leave you in a dangerous situation where your brakes do not work. Call a tow truck if you notice leaking auto fluids and have your car repaired.
- Are your vehicle’s wheels aligned correctly? Faulty alignment can pull your car in the opposite direction you wish to go and cause you to drive into oncoming traffic. If the accident has altered the alignment of your car’s wheels, you should not drive the vehicle.
- Will your hood remain closed? Make sure the locking mechanism for your car’s hood is still intact. If it’s broken, the hood could pop open while you are driving down the road, and your view will be obstructed. Another accident would be imminent.
If you are ever in doubt about the condition of your vehicle after an accident, err on the side of caution. Do not drive the damaged car. Instead, request a tow truck and get your vehicle to an auto body shop right away.
Law Enforcement Can Help Assess the Drivability of Your Vehicle
While a police officer is at the site of the accident creating an accident report for insurance claims, ask them to assess the condition of your vehicle. Police officers have been trained to determine if cars meet the legal standards for safe drivability. If the car’s safety mechanisms and mechanical features are in proper working order, law enforcement will determine the vehicle is safe to drive. However, it’s always wise to have your car inspected by an auto repair professional after an accident to ensure there aren’t any unseen issues.
Get Your Car Repaired After an Accident
Because damage from an accident may not be visible to a driver, it can be very dangerous to operate a vehicle without having it inspected by a professional. Your insurance company may even deny any claims if an initial inspection is not conducted. Therefore, it’s always best to have your car inspected and its damage repaired after an accident and before you get behind the wheel again.
Has your car recently been involved in a car accident? We offer collision repair services as well as auto glass replacement in Texas to get your car back into peak condition. Schedule an inspection at DFW Pro Bright Star today by reaching out to our friendly support staff.