Whether you’re in a fender-bender on your way to Malibu Creek State Park or you’ve had a crash on Ventura Boulevard, you’ll want to get your BMW or MINI Cooper back to looking and running like new as quickly as you can. While cosmetic issues like dents and dings might be the most obvious after-effect of a collision, there are also other common issues that can be caused by an accident.
Some are easy to spot, while others may not be noticeable to the untrained eye. Luckily, the certified mechanics at The Haus are experts at diagnosing and repairing post-collision damage. We’re also conveniently located just a short drive from Woodland Hills. Here’s a look at some of the most common issues we come across at our Sherman Oaks and Santa Monica locations.
Dents and Dings
No matter how careful you are, there’s always a chance that you’ll get a small dent or ding in your vehicle. From a random hailstorm to an unexpected encounter with a shopping cart, it’s impossible to avoid every hazard. The collision experts at The Haus can easily fix many small dents using paintless dent repair, a process that is less expensive and faster than traditional dent repair.
If you’ve had a collision that resulted in a deeper dent, you may need more intense bodywork. There’s also a chance that a major dent dent could have caused structural damage that can impair your vehicle’s performance. This makes it critical to have your vehicle carefully inspected by an expert after a serious collision.
Alignment Issues
One of the most common side effects of a major collision is a problem with the vehicle’s alignment. If your car is out of alignment, you can sometimes can feel your vehicle pulling to one side or you may notice other issues like strange sounds, vibrations, squealing tires, or steering that feels “wobbly.”
If you notice any of these problems, it’s important to take your vehicle to a mechanic sooner rather than later. If left unrepaired for too long, an alignment issue can put undue stress on your suspension, brakes, tires, and other vehicle parts. This can negatively affect your vehicle’s safety and can also lead to bigger problems that may require expensive repairs.
Frame Damage
Damage to your vehicle’s frame is another common post-collision issue. You don’t want to let this go, since the frame is your vehicle’s main support structure. It supports the radiator, holds the suspension in place, and helps align the wheels.
Frame damage can be difficult to detect. Taking your vehicle to a qualified mechanic is the best way to find out whether your frame has been damaged.
Paint Damage
Most collisions result in at least a minimal amount of paint damage. If you have a small scratch or scuff that has only gone through the top layer of paint, it’s typically easy to do a quick touch-up.
Deep scratches, chips, and major dents often require a minor paint job or full repainting. In most cases, your mechanic will provide a paint recommendation after all of your vehicle’s structural damage has been repaired.
Electrical System Damage
You may not think of your electrical system as something that would be affected by a collision, but it’s easy for wires to get knocked loose following an impact. This can cause problems with your battery, prevent your vehicle from starting, or affect your vehicle’s sound system. It could also cause problems with your headlights or taillights, creating a potential safety issue.
Trunk Damage
If you’ve been in a rear-end collision, it’s common to have problems with your trunk. The latching mechanism could suffer damage, allowing the trunk to fly open while you’re driving. You may also have seal and moisture issues, which could slowly cause internal damage to your trunk.
Broken Glass
A cracked or chipped windshield may seem like a small problem, but it’s actually a big deal. Not only can this create a safety issue, but driving with a cracked windshield is also illegal in California. In modern BMWs and MINI Coopers, windshield damage can also affect other features like your backup cameras and heads-up display.
Headlight and Taillight Issues
After a collision, you may have broken lights or lens damage. This an issue you’ll need to take care of before you drive your vehicle again. You may be able to fix the damage with a car light lens repair kit, or you can take your vehicle to a mechanic to have your broken lights replaced.
Trust the Collision Repair Experts at The Haus
When you’ve had an accident with your BMW or MINI Cooper, you want to make sure you bring it to a collision repair center you can trust. The experts at The Haus will help get your vehicle back in top shape. We’re happy to provide you with an affordable inspection and a fair and honest estimate. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.