Category: Safety

I Just Got Rear-Ended, What Do I Do?

Out of the 6 million car accidents that happen on U.S. roads every year, roughly 40% of them are rear-end collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In other words, getting rear-ended is highly common, and so you should learn how to handle the incident accordingly. Today, you are going to learn what to do if you are rear-ended, as well as some tips for choosing the collision repair center in NJ that will fix up your car.

What is a Rear-End Collision?

A rear-end collision is a type of car accident where one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle in front of it. These accidents are typically caused by a trailing driver’s failure to maintain a safe following distance or react in time to sudden changes in traffic conditions. Rear-end collisions can occur at various speeds, from slow-moving traffic to highway speeds, and can lead to a wide range of damages and injuries.

The physics behind rear-end collisions are relatively straightforward. When a car is moving, it possesses kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. If the car in front suddenly stops or slows down, the trailing car must also reduce its speed to avoid a collision. If the trailing driver fails to apply the brakes in time, their car will continue moving forward, leading to a rear-end impact.

What Causes Most Rear-End Collisions?

Rear-end collisions are often the result of driver negligence or errors in judgment. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of these accidents, including:

Distracted Driving: When drivers divert their attention from the road, whether by using a phone, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other activities, they are more likely to miss the vehicle in front slowing down or stopping.
Following Too Closely: Tailgating, or driving too closely behind another vehicle, leaves little room for the trailing driver to react in time to sudden changes in traffic flow.
Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces the stopping distance, making it harder for drivers to react to traffic changes quickly.
Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, or fog can decrease traction and increase the stopping distance, making it more challenging for drivers to avoid rear-end collisions.
Drowsy Driving: Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them prone to rear-ending other vehicles.
Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, brake-checking, and weaving in and out of traffic increase the risk of rear-end collisions.
Failure to Yield Right of Way: Drivers who fail to yield the right of way at intersections or yield signs may cause rear-end collisions.
Malfunctioning Brake Lights: When the brake lights on the lead vehicle are not working correctly, the trailing driver may not realize that the vehicle is slowing down.

Who is At Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

Determining fault in a rear-end collision is generally straightforward, as the trailing driver is usually considered at least partially responsible. The reasoning behind this is based on the concept of “duty of care.” Drivers have a legal responsibility to follow at a safe distance and maintain control of their vehicle at all times, including the ability to stop if the car in front slows down or comes to a stop.

However, there are certain situations where the lead driver may share some responsibility or be found entirely at fault. For example, if the driver in front reverses suddenly, has malfunctioning brake lights, or engages in risky behavior like abruptly changing lanes without signaling, they may contribute to the collision. Additionally, extreme weather conditions or hazardous road conditions might affect the determination of fault.

It’s essential to collect evidence at the accident scene, such as witness statements, photographs, and police reports, to help determine fault accurately.

I Just Got Rear-End, What Do I Do Now?

Getting rear-ended is a stressful situation. Here are some steps to follow to ensure that everyone stays safe and has their interests protected:

Check for injuries: After the impact, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services.
Call the police: Tell them that, “Someone rear-ended me.” Even if the accident seems minor, it’s crucial to have an official record of the incident. The police will create an accident report detailing the parties involved, the damages, and any injuries.
Take pictures and document the positions of the vehicles: Use your smartphone or camera to take photographs of the accident scene, the damage to both vehicles, and the surrounding area. This documentation can be helpful when filing an insurance claim.
Exchange information with the other driver: Obtain the other driver’s contact information, insurance details, and vehicle license plate number. Provide them with the same information.
Contact your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and determine the coverage applicable to your situation.
Choose an auto body shop for repairs: After assessing the damage, you have the right to choose any auto body shop for repairs, regardless of the insurance company’s recommendation. This is known as “right to repair.” Select a reputable shop that specializes in collision repairs to ensure your vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition.

How Auto Body Shops Repair Rear-End Damage

Rear-end damages may not always appear severe at first glance. However, rear-end damage can translate to issues in other regions of the vehicle, which is why it is important to at least have your car assessed. When you take your car to one of the best auto body shops in NJ, here is how you will be assisted:

Inspection: After a rear-end collision, there may be hidden damage that’s not immediately visible. Auto body shops conduct a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle to identify both visible and concealed damage, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Frame Straightening: Rear-end collisions can cause the vehicle’s frame to bend or deform. Skilled technicians can perform frame straightening, aligning the frame back to its original specifications
Bumper Repair and Replacement: In many rear-end collisions, the bumper absorbs much of the impact. Auto body shops can repair minor bumper damage, but if the bumper is severely damaged, they may recommend replacing it to ensure your vehicle’s safety.
Paint Matching: Matching the paint color precisely is essential in ensuring a seamless repair. Auto body shops use advanced computerized color-matching technology to achieve an accurate and seamless finish.
Insurance Assistance: A reliable auto body shop can assist you in navigating the insurance process. They can communicate with the insurance company, provide repair estimates, and ensure that your vehicle’s repairs are covered appropriately.

Get Your Vehicle Repaired at a Certified Collision Center in New Jersey

Now you know what to do if you’ve been rear-ended. Stay calm, document everything, and get insurance information, if necessary. From there, get your vehicle to an auto body shop for repairs. By working with a skilled auto body team, like the technicians at Elmer’s Auto Body, you can get back on the road with confidence, knowing that your vehicle has been restored to its pre-accident condition.

Elmer’s Auto Body is conveniently located throughout South Jersey and holds numerous certifications, including I-CAR. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for inspection or repairs.

Weather Damage and Your Vehicle: Assessing and Repairing Storm-Related Damages in Mt. Ephraim, NJ

You wouldn’t think that living in Mt.Ephraim, New Jersey meant dealing with wind, rain, and hail throughout the year, but it does! There are many weather conditions relatively common in NJ that take a toll on vehicles. Dents, dings, broken windshields, and water damage…it can all happen. Unfortunately, these issues can be more severe than they look at first glance. To ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle, it’s important to assess and address any storm-related issues promptly. Let’s talk about the process of assessing weather damage and then how to get those issues properly repaired at an auto body shop in Mt. Ephraim, NJ.

What Kinds of Weather Damage Can Happen to a Vehicle?

Weather damage encompasses various issues that can affect your vehicle, including:

Hail Damage

Hailstones may cause dings, dents, cracks, and shattered windows. Upon impact, it is not uncommon for hail to cause cosmetic and structural damage to vehicles.

Water Damage

Flooding or heavy rain can result in water-related damage to vehicles. Even driving through flood water can cause significant issues. This can include water seeping into the interior through compromised seals or leaks, leading to damage to the upholstery, electrical systems, and electronics. Water damage can also affect the vehicle’s mechanical components, such as the engine and drivetrain.

Wind Damage

Strong winds during storms can cause flying debris, fallen tree branches, or other objects to collide with the vehicle, leading to scratches, dents, or even more severe damage. Additionally, high winds can cause objects like signs or poles to topple over onto vehicles.

UV Damage

Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can cause damage to a vehicle’s paint, leading to fading, chipping, or peeling. UV rays can also degrade rubber seals and trim, resulting in deterioration and potential water leaks.

Temperature-Related Damage

Extreme heat or cold can impact various components of a vehicle. High temperatures can cause damage to the interior, including fading or cracking of upholstery, dashboard, or steering wheel. In contrast, extreme cold can affect the battery, fluids, and engine performance.

How to Assess Weather Damage on a Vehicle

To assess the extent of weather damage on your vehicle in Mt. Ephraim, NJ, follow these steps:

Exterior Inspection

The first step is to visually inspect the vehicle for any immediately visible signs of damage. This includes scratches, dings, dents, cracked or broken windows and mirrors, broken antenna, and damaged lights. You should also pay attention to the tires and rims. Check for bulges, punctures, or anything else that could become a hazard. Once you have done that, look at the undercarriage for leaks, dents, or damage.

Hail Damage Inspection

If there was a hailstorm, examine the vehicle’s surface for hail damage. Carefully inspect the roof, hood, trunk, and sides of the vehicle. Hail damage typically appears as small dents or dimples, but it can also cause more significant dents with cracked or chipped paint. Take note of the size and severity of the damage to determine the appropriate repair method (some methods only work on shallow hail dents).

Wind and Water Damage Evaluation

Recently driven through a hurricane? Even if you didn’t, strong winds and heavy rain cause a variety of issues, such as cracks and chips in the windshield from flying debris or water damage. Look at the doors, windows, and seals around the windshield for any leaks or compromised weatherstripping. Next, examine the body panels for scratches, dents, or other damage resulting from falling tree branches or other objects.

Mechanical Assessment

While most weather damage is visible on the exterior, it’s also important to assess the vehicle’s mechanical components. Check the brakes, suspension, and exhaust system for any signs of damage or abnormalities. If you notice any unusual sounds, vibrations, or handling issues, consult a professional mechanic for a thorough evaluation.

Weather Damage Repair Options in Mt. Ephraim, NJ

Based on what you find when assessing your vehicle for weather damage, you may need one service over another, such as:

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

PDR is a technique used to repair small dents and dings without the need for repainting. Skilled technicians like those at Elmer’s Auto Body in Mt. Ephraim, NJ manipulate the metal back to its original shape, preserving the vehicle’s factory finish.

Windshield Repair or Replacement

Cracks or chips in the windshield should be addressed promptly to prevent further spreading. In many cases, small chips can be repaired, but larger or severely damaged windshields may require replacement.

Traditional Body and Paint Repair

Severe scratches, dents, and other cosmetic damage can be repaired through traditional body and paint techniques. Skilled technicians will sand, fill, and repaint the affected areas to restore the vehicle’s appearance.

Upholstery and Carpet Replacement

In cases where the water damage has extensively affected the upholstery or carpeting, it may be necessary to replace these components. Professional upholstery services can help restore the interior to its pre-damaged condition.

Component Replacement

If specific interior components, such as electronic modules or control units, have been damaged by water, they may require replacement. The same is true for other moving parts, including the engine, transmission, suspension, and so on. A qualified technician can diagnose the affected parts and replace them with new or properly functioning components.

Fluid Checks and Changes

Storms and flooding can contaminate or degrade fluids in the vehicle, such as engine oil, coolant, or brake fluid. Checking the fluid levels and condition is crucial, and in some cases, fluid changes or flushes may be necessary to ensure proper functioning of the vehicle.

Alignment and Suspension Adjustments

If the vehicle’s alignment or suspension has been affected by storm damage, realignment or adjustments may be necessary. This helps ensure proper handling, tire wear, and overall safety.

Looking For Weather Damage Repair in Mt. Ephraim, NJ?

Storms can cause significant damage to vehicles, requiring prompt attention and repair. Conducting a visual inspection, assessing hail, wind, and water damage, and seeking professional assistance are essential steps in addressing storm-related issues in Mt. Ephraim, NJ. By working with a trusted auto repair service, you can ensure a thorough assessment and receive expert repairs to restore your vehicle’s safety, functionality, and appearance.

Elmer’s Auto Body has extensive experience and expertise when it comes to repairing mild and severe weather damage. Whether your car has some dents and dings from hail or the interior was flooded, our technicians can help. Give one of our South Jersey locations a call or fill out the contact form to schedule your appointment today!

The Importance Of Proper Frame Damage Repair For The Safety Of Your Vehicle

In many ways, the frame of your vehicle is the most important part. Engines and transmissions are the most expensive parts to replace, but they are still interchangeable components. A frame, on the other hand, isn’t really an interchangeable component. You can’t simply remove the old one and bolt another one in place. If a damaged frame cannot be repaired, the whole car is a loss. Why? Because it simply isn’t safe to drive a vehicle with a damaged frame.

Knowing When Your Frame Has Been Damaged

The frame of your vehicle is not readily visible, so it isn’t always easy to see when those critical struts have been damaged. However, other cases are much more obvious. For instance, if you have been in a head-on collision and the front of the vehicle is crumpled in, you can bet that the frame has been damaged.

One good idea is to look at the vehicle from all angles and see if it has been “twisted” by the impact. If so, the lines and corners won’t be quite right, and that twisting indicates frame damage. You also might be able to detect frame damage when you drive your vehicle. Telltale signs include:

Unusual vibrations coming from the wheel area
Odd noises and/or vibrations when turning
Lack of stability in general
In severe cases, the vehicle may lurch to one side, making it hard to stay in your lane.

In the end, though, you won’t usually know for sure until a qualified professional has assessed the vehicle. If you see any of these signs, it is essential that you get the vehicle to a shop immediately. Yes, it’s inconvenient to be without your car for any length of time, but serious injury and death tend to be a lot more inconvenient.

Why Is It Unsafe To Drive A Vehicle With Frame Damage?

If your frame has only sustained minor damage, you might feel that you can ignore the problem and keep driving. This, however, is a very bad idea that could even result in serious injury or death.

Even if you are a careful and competent driver, an accident can happen at any moment. Even if you do everything right, someone else’s carelessness can still cause a collision. That’s why you always wear your seat belts, that’s why you always keep your airbags in good shape, and that’s why you never drive a car with a damaged frame. That frame is like a cage that gives you some protection against the outside world. Think of it this way: Would a smart knight go into battle with weak armor? No, of course not.

In some cases, frame damage may even cause a collision. As we said in the earlier section, frame damage can make it hard to keep your vehicle on a straight course. Obviously, that can cause you to run right into another vehicle through no fault of your own. So, if you’re thinking of driving a car with such issues, don’t do it.

Can Frame Damage Be Repaired?

In many cases, frame damage can indeed be repaired. However, it depends on the full extent of the damage. You should probably know this right away: If the frame damage is bad enough to be visible after the accident, it probably can’t be repaired. However, there are many instances in which a frame just receives a little warping from the impact. That metal can be straightened, but only to a certain point. If you go too far with that straightening, you will weaken the metal significantly. So, you can bend and beat the metal back into place, but only to a certain extent.

The location of the damage also plays a role in this question. There are some parts of a vehicle’s frame that are less essential than others, and some parts can even be replaced. In the end, it comes down to two questions:

1. Is the cost of repairing this vehicle greater than its value? (in other words, is this thing more trouble than it’s worth?)
2. Can this vehicle be returned to a safe and usable condition?

Frame Types Also Make A Difference

There are two basic types of vehicle frames: Unibody and body-on-frame. A unibody frame is incorporated with the outer parts of the car (i.e., the “body”). This allows the components of the frame and body to mutually support one another. Most cars will have this type of frame, so this is probably what you have.

Most trucks and larger vehicles, on the other hand, will have a body-on-frame design (also called a ladder frame). In these vehicles, the frame is a separate piece, shaped roughly like a ladder with wheels, to which the body is bolted. In most cases, bolt-on-frame designs are easier and cheaper to repair because they represent an older and simpler design.

Conclusion

No matter what kind of damage you are dealing with, the help of competent professionals will be needed. Frame repair is not the kind of job that you can do at home in the garage, so it pays to trust those who have earned your trust. If you are now asking yourself: “where can I find a trustworthy auto body shop near me?”, then we have the answer. All you need to do is call us at (856) 218-0202.

5 Most Common Causes Of Auto Collisions And How To Avoid Them

In the United States, car collisions are an unfortunate but common occurrence. American roadways are constantly plagued with minor bumps and crashes caused by a number of reasons. While some accidents may end up being minor, there are some that end up being catastrophic. Obviously, you want to do your best to avoid such events. Knowing the five most common causes of auto collisions and how to avoid them may one day come in handy.

1. Distracted Driving

Ever since the advent of mobile phones and texting, more and more people have fallen sway to distracted driving. Even if you are a conscientious driver, you could be hit by someone who is driving distracted. But what is distracted driving? It involves any of the following actions:

Checking your appearance in a mirror
Changing radio stations
Eating or drinking
Texting
Looking at someone in the passenger seat
Swatting at your children in the backseat
Becoming distracted by someone else on the roadway

To avoid distracted driving, it is important to avoid such distractions. Do not drive when you are tired, make use of hands-free cell phone devices like a Bluetooth speaker clip, avoid multitasking, and let passengers navigate for you.

2. Excessive Speeds

Yes, it may be tempting to speed down a highway, especially when you are running late to work, but excessive speeds make your car much harder to control. In the event something unforeseen or unexpected happens, such as a car suddenly switching lanes in front of you or an animal darting across the road, you could lose control. You also may not have enough time to react and brake, which could cause an impact.

Avoiding driving over the speed limit is easy. You just have to slow down. Observe the speed limit and stick within that range. You may even consider utilizing your vehicle’s cruise control to avoid accidentally accelerating during a long drive. Furthermore, if you are speeding because you are behind schedule, consider planning around traffic and leaving for your destination a little earlier.

3. Poor Driving Weather

There are a number of weather conditions that make the roads more dangerous than usual. Wind, rain, fog, snow, ice, hail…it’s all possible. Wind can blow your car sideways or cause debris to gather in the road. Ice and snow can cause skidding and sliding. Even wet conditions make the surface of the road more slick than usual. Unfortunately, you cannot control the weather. It can also be hard to predict what will happen.

What you can do to avoid accidents caused by inclement weather is drive more carefully. Avoid becoming distracted. If possible, go below the speed limit and put distance between yourself and others on the road. Stay away from any clusters of traffic that may force you to slam on the brakes or jerk the steering wheel. Lastly, if the road is extra dangerous, consider pulling over and waiting out the worst of the weather or calling for assistance.

4. Chaos at Intersections

Who hasn’t gotten flustered at a 4-way stop? Intersections, whether they have traffic lights or not, can be harrowing. Sometimes it is not clear who should go first. Then there are instances where people cut in front of you or rush to make a turn. It is not uncommon for people to side-swipe one another, particularly when one person is making a left at the same time another car is trying to make a right into the same lane.

Also, if you live somewhere with a lot of truck traffic, avoid pulling up too far past the line. Give the trucks space to turn and maneuver. Far too many people get the front end of their cars swiped by trailers.

In order to avoid intersection bedlam, it is recommended that you avoid running through yellow lights about to turn red and to always come to a complete stop at 4-ways. Do not do a rolling stop. Use hand signals to others, if need be, to signal your intention.

5. Drunk Driving

Far too many die each year because they or someone else decided to get behind the wheel of a vehicle when intoxicated or impaired. Drunk driving kills people and totals vehicles. Many substances, including alcohol and medications, can make judging speed and distance incredibly difficult. Some people even fall asleep behind the wheel.

Do not consider driving if you plan on drinking or using another substance. Arrange for a designated driver or use Uber or Lyft to get to your location and then bring you home. Stay at a friend’s house and give them your keys. Rest assured, they would rather see you on their couch in the morning than receive a call that you died while driving home from their party.

Get Your Collision Damage Repaired at Elmer’s Auto Body

Now that you are familiar with the top 5 most common causes of auto collisions and how to avoid them, it is time to commit to being a better driver. With more people aware of the danger, the roads may be safer. If you have experienced an auto collision, turn to Elmer’s Auto Body for assistance. Our amazing team of highly trained technicians will get your vehicle back to its undamaged condition. Give us a call today to learn more about our services or to book an appointment at one of our locations.

What Is the Safest Car on the Road This Year?

When choosing any vehicle, safety should always be one of the primary concerns. There is no need to prove the fact that vehicle accidents kill large numbers of people every year. This reality is, unfortunately, so commonly known that it requires no proof. With that in mind, it pays to try and get the safest car that you can afford. There are many ways in which to evaluate the safety value of a particular car, but it does pay to listen to the experts as well. With that in mind, let’s try to determine which vehicle is the safest car on the road this year.

Finding A Legitimate Source Of Information

The first problem is finding a legitimate and independent source for car safety information. Most vehicles will claim to be particularly safe, but it can be hard to tell if that is real or just advertising hype. Certainly, all of them must meet certain safety standards in order to be road-legal, but that’s not what we are seeking. We want to know which current-year vehicles are objectively the safest on the road.

To help with that, we turned to the website of an organization called the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). This is an independent scientific study group that focuses on vehicle safety. Along with their partner organization, the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), they work with automakers and insurance companies to ensure better vehicle safety and greater accountability for those who fail to provide such.

Because this is the best independent source of vehicle safety information that we could find, their website will be the primary source for this article. There is another respected organization called the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which carries out most crash tests, but the IIHS-HLDI rankings take their findings into account.

What Makes A Vehicle Safe?

The safety of a vehicle is determined by its design and features. Those features can vary a lot, as most vehicle models offer more than one type. In general, safety features fall into one of two categories: Crashworthiness and mitigation. The term “Crashworthiness” describes the ability of a vehicle to withstand impact with minimal damage. Some cars are simply more durable than others, and a tougher vehicle will always give you a better chance of walking away from a collision. “crashworthiness” also includes things like the weight and balance of a vehicle, both of which make a difference as well.

Mitigation, on the other hand, includes features that are intended to prevent the crash from happening. This might include things like:

Backup cameras
Blind spot mirrors/cameras
Automatic emergency braking
Stability control systems
Airbags
Anti-Lock brakes
Automatic safety belts
Tire pressure sensors
Collision detection systems

Basically, anything that will potentially help you to avoid an accident makes for a safe vehicle. However, it’s not just about the features. That is why every vehicle model undergoes extensive crash testing before it is put on the market. When crash tests are performed, all the various sections of the car are tested to determine how resistant to impact they might be. For instance, some vehicles might have very good forward crash protection while offering little protection on either side. In fact, vehicles like that have caused big problems in the past.

Safest Vehicles On The Road For 2022

According to the safety ratings of the IIHS, there is not one vehicle that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Instead, there is a list of vehicles in each category that have earned top marks in all categories. As such, these vehicles are probably about equally safe. There are over 100 vehicles on this top-rated list, but here are some of the standouts:

Small Cars

Honda Civic 4-door sedan
Honda Civic 4-door hatchback
Honda Insight 4-door sedan
Hyundai Elantra 4-door sedan
Kia Soul 4-door wagon

Midsize Cars

Honda Accord 4-door sedan
Hyundai Sonata 4-door sedan
Kia K5 4-door sedan
Nissan Altima 4-door sedan
Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan

Midsize Luxury Cars

Acura TLX 4-door sedan
Audi A4 4-door sedan
Audi A4 Allroad 4-door wagon
Audi A5 Sportback 4-door hatchback
BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe 4-door sedan

Large Cars

Kia Stinger 4-door hatchback
Toyota Avalon 4-door sedan
Volkswagen Arteon 4-door hatchback

Large Luxury Cars

Audi A6 4-door sedan
Audi A6 Allroad 4-door wagon
Audi A7 4-door hatchback

Small SUVs

Buick Encore GX 4-door SUV
Chevrolet Trailblazer 4-door SUV
Ford Bronco Sport 4-door SUV

Midsize SUVs

Ford Edge 4-door SUV
Ford Explorer 4-door SUV
Ford Mustang Mach-E 4-door SUV

Midsize Luxury SUVs

Acura MDX 4-door SUV
Acura RDX 4-door SUV
Audi Q5 4-door SUV

Large SUVs

Audi E-Tron 4-door SUV
Audi E-Tron Sportback 4-door SUV
Audi Q8 4-door SUV

Minivans

Chrysler Pacifica minivan
Honda Odyssey minivan
Kia Carnival minivan

Small Pickup Trucks

Hyundai Santa Cruz crew cab pickup

Large Pickup Trucks

Ford F-150 crew cab pickup
Ford F-150 extended cab pickup
Ram 1500 crew cab pickup

Conclusion

It always pays to seek out a car that offers a high safety rating, no matter what the advertisements might say. Of course, even if you choose one of the safest cars on the road, accidents can still happen. If that happens, you might find yourself in need of a good NJ body shop. When looking for auto body shops in South Jersey, your choice is not a difficult one. Just call us here at Elmer’s Auto Body at (856) 218-0202.

Can Damage From A Head-On Collision Be Repaired?

A head-on collision is one of the worst types of auto accidents that you can suffer. These types of collisions are far more likely to result in serious injury, and also much more likely to decimate your vehicle. Obviously, the damage will mostly be in the front, and that’s where the most important part (the engine) is located. So, that brings us to the essential question. Can damage from a head-on collision be repaired? It depends on several key factors.

The Extent Of The Damage

The first thing to understand is that it all depends on the extent of the damage. If you are talking about a low-speed collision or an indirect collision, the damage might be minimal. In most vehicles, the radiator is right in the front, so it’s probably going to be toast. There is always going to be a fan right behind that radiator, so it’s likely going to be destroyed as well. However, those parts can be changed out without much trouble, so they aren’t the biggest concerns.

The biggest concerns are the frame of the vehicle itself, as well as the engine. When these things are damaged beyond repair, it’s better to scrap and replace the car. If there is frame damage, it might still be possible to repair the vehicle, but that is something that has to be decided on a case-by-case basis. While it is certainly possible to replace an engine, the parts and labor involved are going to be extremely expensive.

Type Of Damage Incurred

It’s not just about the sheer extent of the damage, as the type of damage will also be a determining factor. If the frame has been bent to the left or the right, this is called “sway damage.” Likewise, “twist damage” involves the frame being twisted. You also might have “mash damage”, in which the metal of the frame has been compressed like an accordion.

Mash damage is probably the worst of the three, while sway damage is generally less serious. Twist damage is right in the middle, as it all depends on the extent of the twist. After a certain point, the frame can no longer be restored to a safe and stable state. However, if you just have some light sway, the vehicle can probably be repaired. Body shops have straightening machines that are great for light damage, and damaged sections of a frame can often be replaced.

Safety Concerns

Safety should always be a key factor when choosing whether to repair or replace a vehicle. For example, let’s say that your car has suffered severe mash damage and some twisting in key places. It might be possible for a skilled body shop technician to restore that vehicle to a point where it can be driven. However, it will never be particularly safe to drive that vehicle. Should it be involved in another collision with a badly weakened frame, the results could be catastrophic.

Body shops have to think about these things when repairing vehicles. If they send someone out with an unsafe vehicle and something terrible happens, they can be held liable. There are also various laws and state-level regulations that determine when a car can legally be allowed back on the road after a collision.

Type Of Vehicle Frame

All cars and trucks made today will generally have one of two frame types: Uni-body or ladder-frame. A uni-body frame is exactly what the name implies: The entire frame is one piece. A ladder-on-frame design, by contrast, uses the frame as more of an anchor on which to attach the body. You usually see ladder-frame designs on trucks and other larger vehicles, as it is better for bearing a large amount of weight. In any case, uni-body repairs tend to be more expensive and more difficult.

Availability Of Parts

If your vehicle is damaged severely enough to compromise the frame, there will certainly be other damaged parts as well. Most (if not all) of these will need to be replaced. Of course, this might include sections of the frame and body, so you’re definitely looking at some expenses for all those parts. And, of course, that problem becomes much harder if your vehicle’s parts are not so easy to find. Aftermarket parts can often be substituted for rare ones, but that might reduce the vehicle’s resale value.

Can You Drive A Vehicle With Frame Damage?

Absolutely not. It is not safe to drive a vehicle that has suffered frame damage. We have already mentioned the fact that such vehicles are unsafe due to their structural integrity being weakened. However, there is another problem: Such a car usually won’t drive straight. The frame is the very core of the vehicle, so you cannot expect it to travel straight on a bent frame.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is no simple answer here. Damage from a head-on collision may or may not be possible to repair. It mainly depends on how much damage the vehicle took, what type of damage was incurred, and the amount of time and money that will be required to return the vehicle to an acceptable condition. If you are in need of a frame repair, there is no need to ask yourself “where can I find the best auto body shop near me?” because you are already looking in the right place. To find out more, you can call us at (856) 218-0202.