Winter in Sewell, NJ, brings beautiful scenery—and challenging driving conditions. Icy roads, heavy snowfall, and reduced visibility increase the risk of minor and major collisions. While some winter damage is obvious, like a dented bumper or cracked headlight, others are subtler and can worsen if ignored. Identifying and addressing winter collision damage early can help prevent safety issues and save on costly repairs. Here’s a guide to spotting winter collision damage before it becomes a bigger problem.
Key Takeaways
- Ignoring minor damage can lead to serious issues, as winter conditions like salt and moisture accelerate rust and corrosion on scratches, dents, and exposed areas.
- Winter roads often hide hazards that can dent or scrape your undercarriage. Check for leaks or rust.
- Winter potholes and minor collisions can cause alignment issues and uneven tire wear.
- Damaged or dim lights reduce visibility; ensure headlights and indicators are functional.
- Grinding brakes, clunks, and rattles can indicate damage needing prompt repair.
Why You Must Address Collision Damage Quickly
Winter conditions can worsen damages left unattended, compromising the performance and safety of your vehicle. If you got into a collision during the warmer months, those issues can worsen dramatically as the temperature dips. Fixing minor dents, realigning wheels, and sealing paint scratches can prevent larger repairs later on. Regular inspections, especially after driving in icy or snow-packed areas, ensure that your vehicle remains in safe, reliable condition throughout the season.
Inspect the Exterior of Dents and Scratches
Minor dents, scratches, and chips seem harmless, as they are often considered superficial damage. Unfortunately, even a tiny scratch can lead to extensive damage. Winter conditions have a way of making such tiny damages worse, particularly when snow and ice is mixed with road brine. Road salt and moisture seep into exposed areas, speeding up rust and corrosion.
When doing a visual inspection of your vehicle after a collision, look for denter bumpers and panels; scratches in the paint; and chipped or cracked paint.
Look Underneath for Hidden Undercarriage Damage
Winter can be rough on a car’s undercarriage. Snow and ice-packed roads hide hazards like potholes and debris, which can cause undercarriage damage. Damages from a collision can worsen, too, when you hit ice or snow-covered debris. Look under your vehicle for any scrapes or dents, leaking fluids, or rust.
Leaking fluids are after oil, coolant, or transmission fluid, all of which are essential to the safety of your vehicle.
Examine Tires and Wheels for Damage
Winter potholes can knock your tires and wheels out of alignment, causing uneven tire wear, steering issues, and even suspension damage. You can tell that your wheels are misaligned with a couple of cues. First, is your car pulling to one side of the road while in motion? That may be a symptom of sustained wheel or suspension damage, which can occur during a fender bender, for example. You may also notice some tire wear that can cause alignment issues, especially if the uneven wear is due to slamming on the brakes and leaving a trail of burned rubber behind.
Test Headlights, Brake Lights, and Indicators
In winter, it’s common for lights to get damaged due to icy collisions or exposure to cold, wet conditions. Check your lights regularly by looking for cracks, fogging, or moisture inside the light housing. These problems can affect visibility and lead to electrical problems. If any lights are dim or not working, it’s essential to repair or replace them, especially in winter when visibility is crucial for safe driving.
Listen for Unusual Noises When Driving
After a collision, regardless of the season, you want to pay attention to any unusual noises. Listen for any grinding or squeaking from the brakes, which can signal damaged brake pads, rotors, or brake lines. Clunking noises from the suspension suggest potential damage to the shocks, struts, or suspension. Any whistling or rattling points to damaged seals, doors, or windows that were affected by an impact or temperature change.
How Can a Collision Repair Shop in Sewell, NJ Help?
A collision repair shop like Elmer’s Auto Body can provide several essential services to address and repair winter-related damage, ensuring your vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road. Collision repair shops are ideal for minor dent, scratch, and chipped paint repairs caused by accidents. Furthermore, a repair shop can inspect your car’s undercarriage for dents, scrapes, or damage to the frame and suspension. They can realign or repair components as needed to maintain your car’s structural integrity. You also get peace of mind knowing that a collision repair shop in Sewell, NJ like Elmer’s Auto Body has been around for years and has state-of-the-art facilities.
Contact a Sewell Collision Repair Center This Winter
Winter conditions can worsen any damage left unattended, potentially compromising your vehicle’s safety. If you recently got into a minor collision, there may be damages that you are unaware of, ones that will make driving this winter even harder. Do an inspection then look for a professional collision repair service.
Stay safe this season—contact Elmer’s Auto Body in Sewell, NJ, for professional repairs and keep your car ready for any winter challenge.