Accidents happen, but how you handle the aftermath can make all the difference. You may be look at largely superficial damages and think, “This can wait.” Don’t give into the temptation to delay repairs or ignore those minor damages. As strong as the temptation may be, you may end up putting your safety and your wallet at serious risk. Driving around with an unrepaired car can be dangerous. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we believe it’s important to discuss why these dangers need to be addressed promptly. Here is what Washington Township, NJ drivers need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Driving an unrepaired car after an accident compromises safety, as damages to frames, airbags, or suspensions increase the risk of injuries in future collisions.
- Unrepaired vehicles may violate New Jersey’s safety laws, leading to fines or liability in case of subsequent accidents.
- Delaying repairs often worsens the damage, escalating repair costs and reducing the effectiveness of critical components.
- Ignoring collision repairs can degrade vehicle performance, including handling, fuel efficiency, and braking, endangering you and others on the road.
- Unaddressed damage significantly lowers your car’s resale value and signals poor maintenance to potential buyers, costing you more in the long run.
1. Risks for You and Your Passengers
After an accident, even seemingly minor damage can compromise your vehicle’s structural integrity and safety features. For instance:
- Weakened Frame: A bent or cracked frame reduces your car’s ability to absorb impact in future collisions, putting you and your passengers at greater risk of injury. Bent frames can also throw off alignment, further damaging components of your car that need to function properly.
- Deactivated Airbags: Airbags may fail to deploy properly if sensors are damaged. This hidden issue could lead to catastrophic consequences in another crash. Without airbags, the damage caused by an accident can be exponentially worse, particularly at high speeds.
- Faulty Suspension: Damaged suspension systems can reduce vehicle stability, making it harder to control your car, especially during sudden maneuvers or bad weather.
Ignoring these issues leaves you vulnerable to preventable accidents and injuries.
2. Legal and Liability Concerns
Driving a damaged car isn’t just dangerous—it could also be illegal. In New Jersey, all vehicles on the road must meet certain safety standards. If your car is deemed unsafe due to unrepaired damages, you could face fines, penalties, or even have your vehicle impounded.
Moreover, if an unrepaired issue contributes to another accident, you may be held liable. Insurance companies or other drivers could argue that your negligence played a role, leaving you responsible for damages and legal costs, and not just for yourself but anyone else involved.
3. Increased Repair Costs
Little repairs can become extensive, expensive repairs easily. Never forget that delaying repairs will often make the problem worse and impact the effectiveness of other vehicle components. For example, a small crack on the bumper may spread, leading to a full replacement of the bumper rather than a patch job. Alignment issues from a bent frame will eventually lead to uneven tire wear, which will cost you more to repair than if you had the bent frame straightened initially.
If you can, don’t let something manageable spiral into a financial headache for you. Contact your insurance company soon after you have the accident. Then contact a collision repair center that will work with you and get your car back on the road ASAP.
4. Compromised Vehicle Performance
Driving a damaged car often leads to noticeable performance issues, including:
- Poor Handling: Alignment problems or suspension damage can make steering unpredictable and unsafe.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Misaligned components can create drag, forcing your car to use more fuel.
- Unreliable Brakes: Even minor impacts can affect braking systems, increasing stopping distances and raising your risk of accidents.
These performance issues don’t just make driving uncomfortable—they can make it dangerous for you and others on the road.
5. Decreased Resale Value
Leaving damage unrepaired significantly reduces your car’s resale value. Potential buyers or dealerships will likely notice and devalue the car accordingly. Even if the damage is minor, it signals to buyers that the vehicle hasn’t been well-maintained. This can be a startling and upsetting revelation, especially when your vehicle was from a higher-end manufacturer.
Why You Should Promptly Get Collision Repairs in Washington Township, NJ
If you want to keep your car roadworthy and safe, then you need to get repairs as soon as you can. It also helps when a reputable collision repair shop in Washington Township, NJ is doing the work. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we offer:
- Certified Technicians: Our team is trained to identify and repair all forms of damage, visible and hidden.
- Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art tools to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
- OEM Parts: We prioritize quality repairs with original equipment manufacturer parts to ensure safety and longevity.
- Comprehensive Inspections: We leave no stone unturned, ensuring every aspect of your car is thoroughly evaluated and repaired.
Contact a Trusted Collision Repair Center in Elmer’s Auto Body Today
Driving an unrepaired car after an accident is a gamble you can’t afford to take. Whether it’s safety, legal liability, or long-term costs, the risks far outweigh any short-term savings. Consider finding a collision repair center in Washington Township, NJ as soon as you can to get the needed repairs completeed.
Don’t wait for small problems to become major headaches. Contact the Elmer’s Auto Body team today to schedule an appointment at one of our South Jersey locations—Medford, Sewell, and Mt. Ephraim. Your safety and peace of mind are worth it.