After an accident, it’s important to make sure you get your car fully repaired, such as at one of these Tampa auto body shops, to ensure that not only is your vehicle functioning normally, but that it’s safe to drive. Here’s a list of things to check for in your vehicle after an accident, to make sure your car isn’t a danger.
Glass
Something which is relatively easy to check for, and essential, is the glass in your car. Even the slightest chip in the surface can weaken the whole structure, meaning it can crack at any time – and most likely, whilst you’re driving. This can, at the best of times, reduce your view of the road and mean you can’t see hazards. At the worst, the windshield or windows could shatter, not only shocking you and putting you at great risk of losing control of your car, but also letting broken glass fall into the car, which could cause an injury.
Safety Features
Every car has certain safety features, and making sure these are still present and functioning is a must when securing the safety of you and anyone else in the car. An obvious feature is, of course, seatbelts – although they are relatively sturdy, they can snap under enough force or even come away from the wall altogether. Even if they are only slightly ripped or dislodged, once they are weakened, this can be a major risk to the safety of each passenger, and it’s essential to get them changed as soon as possible. You also need to check your airbags still work – if they were activated during the crash, they’ll need to be replaced immediately, as they’re one of the most important things in reducing the impact of the vehicle on you, and if you get into another accident (unlikely but possible), the risk of fatality increases dramatically.
Tyres
If damaged, tyres can not only create safety concerns, but also damage your car further, making it more expensive to repair in the long run. Tyre pressure is something you should check regularly anyway, but particularly after an accident, as it’s likely a lot of force will have been applied to the tyres, which could, in turn, affect the tyre pressure. Checking your tyres for any lesions or punctures is the most important thing, as this can be fatal for your car and cause many more problems than you need, and needs repairing at once.
Body
Finally, checking the body is a seemingly obvious but still vital thing to do – if there’s any damage to the outside of your car, this can reduce the efficiency of your car and make it less effective on the road. If there is any damage to the hood of the car or the doors, this is particularly important to get fixed, as damage to the hood could mean damage to the engine, which can be very serious, and damage to the car doors may mean escaping a car after an accident could be tricky and could result in fatalities.
Whether you’re an expert or are uncertain, getting your car checked out is the best way to make sure your vehicle is as safe as possible. And to avoid any serious injuries, you must also wear seat belts right from the get-go that you ride your car. Read here the history of car seat belts and how they gained popularity among cars in the 60s.