Fall Car Care Checklist for NW Michigan Drivers
As the crisp fall air sets in and road conditions begin to change, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the upcoming months. While most think of collision repairs only after an accident, fall is a critical time to check your vehicle for issues caused by minor collisions and road hazards. Even if your car appears fine on the surface, hidden damage can impact your safety. Follow this fall collision care checklist to keep your vehicle in top shape.
1. Inspect for Hidden Collision Damage
After a minor accident or bump, some damage might not be immediately visible. Look for subtle signs of damage, such as misaligned panels, unusual sounds, or difficulties closing doors or the trunk. Addressing hidden damage early can prevent more costly repairs later and ensure your vehicle is structurally sound.
2. Check for Alignment Issues After Bumps or Fender Benders
Even a small fender bender can cause misalignment, making your car pull to one side or wear down tires unevenly. If you’ve recently had a minor collision or hit a pothole, it’s important to get your alignment checked. Misalignment can lead to unsafe handling, especially on slick fall roads.
3. Windshield and Glass Inspection
With falling leaves and colder temperatures, visibility becomes even more important. If your windshield or windows were damaged in a collision, now is the time to repair or replace them before frost, rain, and falling debris compromise visibility. Look for small chips or cracks that can spread as the temperature drops.
4. Paint Damage and Rust Prevention
Fall’s wet and chilly weather can accelerate the formation of rust, especially if your vehicle’s paint was chipped or scratched in a minor collision. Rust can spread quickly and weaken your car’s body over time. Get any paint damage or body dents repaired to prevent rust from setting in.
5. Test Headlights, Taillights, and Signals Post-Repair
After a collision, lights and signals can be misaligned or damaged, even if you don’t notice at first. With shorter days and foggy fall mornings, it’s crucial to ensure all your lights are functioning properly. Test headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure maximum visibility and safety on the road.
6. Suspension and Underbody Inspection
Hitting road debris or a small collision can cause damage to your vehicle’s suspension or underbody. This can affect handling and create safety risks when driving on Michigan’s slippery fall roads. An inspection of your vehicle’s suspension can help identify any wear or damage that needs to be addressed.
7. Bumper and Frame Integrity
Your car’s bumper and frame are designed to absorb impact and protect you during a collision. However, even if the damage looks minor, the structural integrity of the bumper or frame may be compromised. Have your bumper and frame checked to ensure they can still offer full protection in case of another accident.
8. Check for Airbag Deployment or Sensor Issues
If you’ve recently been in a collision, even a minor one, your vehicle’s airbag system might have been affected. Make sure the airbags were not compromised or that their sensors haven’t been damaged. A malfunctioning airbag could pose a serious risk in the event of another accident.
9. Get a Detailed Post-Collision Inspection
Sometimes the damage from a collision isn’t noticeable right away, but it can have long-term effects on your vehicle’s performance and safety. A comprehensive inspection from a certified collision center can uncover hidden issues like internal frame damage, misaligned parts, or weakened structural integrity.
Trust Car Center for a Thorough Fall Collision Inspection
At Car Center, we’ve been Michigan’s trusted collision repair experts since 1992. With five convenient locations across Northwest Michigan and our ASE Blue Seal of Excellence, you can rely on our experienced team of ASE Certified and Master Technicians for high-quality collision repairs. Whether you’ve experienced a recent fender bender, or want a professional inspection for hidden damage, we’re here to help keep you safe on the road.
Our team will:
- Inspect your vehicle for hidden damage.
- Ensure all safety systems, including airbags and lights, are functioning properly.
- Repair or replace damaged body panels, glass, and paint.
- Perform necessary alignment checks and frame inspections.
Visit Us at One of Our Convenient Locations:
- Car Center – Alpine
2225 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 | +1 616-361-6646 - Car Center – Big Rapids
10811 Northland Dr, Big Rapids, MI 49307 | +1 231-796-6006 - Car Center – Burton Heights
1917 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | +1 616-245-8007 - Car Center – Cedar Springs
13399 White Creek Ave NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319 | +1 616-696-1830 - Car Center – Greenville
12400 14 Mile Rd NE, Greenville, MI 48838 | +1 616-754-0307 - Car Center – Holland
12255 Felch St, Holland, MI 49424 | +1 616-931-8800
Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major safety concern. If you’ve recently hit a deer, let us take care of your vehicle and get you back on the road safely.
