Is My Car Safe to Drive After an Accident?

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Car Center Mi in Collision Repair

Even after a minor accident, it’s not always easy to tell if your car is still safe to drive. While some damage is obvious, many issues remain hidden beneath the surface, putting you at risk for further mechanical failures, reduced handling, and even safety hazards in another collision. Ignoring potential damage can lead to bigger repair costs and jeopardize your safety on the road.

If you’ve been in an accident, it’s essential to check for warning signs that could indicate your vehicle is unsafe to drive. Here’s what to look for—and when to get a professional post-accident inspection at Car Center before getting back on the road.

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1. Alignment Issues: Is Your Car Pulling to One Side?

If your vehicle pulls to the left or right after an accident, your wheel alignment may be off. This is a serious issue because it affects your ability to steer safely, especially in rainy or icy conditions. A misaligned vehicle will also cause uneven tire wear, reducing traction and making it harder to stop quickly in an emergency.

Other signs of misalignment include a crooked steering wheel or difficulty controlling your vehicle at higher speeds. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an alignment check immediately to avoid further damage.

2. Frame Damage: A Bent Frame Can Compromise Crash Protection

Your car’s frame is designed to absorb impact and protect passengers in a collision. Even a low-speed crash can cause bent or weakened frame components, making your vehicle less able to withstand future impacts.

Signs of hidden frame damage include:

· Gaps in the body panels (doors, hood, or trunk don’t align properly)

· Strange noises when driving, such as creaking or clicking sounds

· Uneven tire wear or poor wheel alignment

· A tilting or leaning appearance

Driving with frame damage reduces your car’s ability to protect you in another crash. If you suspect frame issues, get a professional structural inspection at Car Center immediately.

3. Airbag Warning Lights: A Critical Safety Risk

If your airbag warning light is on, do not drive your vehicle until it has been checked by a professional. Your airbags may be deactivated, malfunctioning, or improperly deployed, putting you at extreme risk in another accident.

Many modern vehicles have airbag sensors in the bumpers and fenders. If these were damaged in the crash, your airbags might not deploy properly in the next accident, or worse, they could deploy unexpectedly while driving.

Don’t take a chance—if your airbag light is on, schedule an inspection immediately.

4. Fluid Leaks: Signs of Mechanical Damage

A small puddle of fluid under your car might not seem alarming, but any leak after an accident is a red flag. Even minor accidents can crack radiators, transmission lines, or brake fluid reservoirs, leading to severe mechanical issues.

Common post-accident leaks include:

· Oil (dark brown/black) – Engine damage or cracked oil pan

· Coolant (green, orange, or pink) – Radiator or cooling system damage

· Brake fluid (clear to yellow, slick texture) – Unsafe to drive! Brake failure is likely

· Transmission fluid (reddish-brown, thicker texture) – Transmission damage

If you notice any leaks, do not drive until a professional inspection confirms it’s safe.

5. Steering and Suspension Problems: Difficulty Controlling Your Vehicle

If your car feels unstable, shakes, or has trouble turning after an accident, there may be damage to the steering or suspension system. Even a minor crash can bend control arms, damage tie rods, or misalign suspension components, making it dangerous to drive at high speeds or in poor weather conditions.

Signs of steering or suspension issues include:

· Vibration in the steering wheel

· A bumpy or uneven ride

· Difficulty turning or delayed response from the steering wheel

Suspension damage doesn’t just make your ride uncomfortable—it reduces your ability to control the vehicle, especially in emergencies. If your car isn’t handling correctly, bring it to Car Center for a full post-accident evaluation.

6. Lights and Electrical Issues: Reduced Visibility & Safety Risks

If your headlights, taillights, brake lights, or turn signals aren’t working after an accident, your car is not safe to drive. Electrical damage may also cause issues with sensors, wipers, and dashboard warning lights, leading to further mechanical failures.

Other electrical issues that could indicate serious post-accident damage include:

· Dashboard lights flickering

· Power windows or locks not working properly

· Backup camera or sensors malfunctioning

Even if the damage seems minor, electrical failures can lead to unexpected breakdowns. If any warning lights are flashing, get your car inspected before driving it again.

7. Tires and Wheels: Small Damage Can Lead to Big Problems

A hard impact—even if it doesn’t seem major—can bend rims, weaken tires, or damage wheel hubs, leading to a blowout while driving. If your car was involved in an accident and you notice low tire pressure, visible cracks, or wobbling at high speeds, your tires or wheels may be compromised.

If your steering feels off, your tires look damaged, or your car vibrates while driving, have your wheels and tires inspected before getting back on the road.

What to Do If You Notice Any of These Warning Signs

If you’ve been in an accident, it’s always safer to get a post-collision inspection rather than risk driving a damaged vehicle. Even if you don’t see obvious damage, hidden issues like frame misalignment, sensor malfunctions, and weakened structural integrity can make your car unsafe.

At Car Center, our ASE-Certified and I-CAR Gold Class technicians provide thorough post-accident inspections to identify hidden damage before it turns into a major problem. We use advanced diagnostic tools to check for frame alignment issues, airbag sensor malfunctions, wheel damage, and fluid leaks, ensuring your vehicle is fully safe to drive.

Get a Free Post-Accident Inspection at Car Center

If you’ve been in an accident—even a minor one—don’t take chances with your safety. Car Center offers free post-collision inspections to ensure your vehicle is safe before you get back on the road.

Don’t risk it—book your vehicle service today!

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Car Center Mi
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