Signs of An Accident on A Used Car
Purchasing a used car is always a gamble. You’ll either save money or lose money on repairs. And, from this stems the fear of buying a car that has been involved in a serious accident. The severity of the damage and quality of the repair job pose potential threats to its roadworthiness. Here are the things you can do to help you spot signs of an accident on a used car.
Check the Paint Carefully
Look out for mismatching colors, a slight difference in shade or variance of shine between the body panels. Remember to inspect it thoroughly while out in the sun or a well-lit room. It is a basic telling sign of an accident because the car had its bodywork repaired.
Repair works that required welding are always stripped off of paint, which on the long run result to rusting. Most people overlook the engine bay area, so be sure to check it. Having fresh undercoat on a used car may also be a suspicious attempt to hide repair works.
Watch Out for New, Mismatched or Third-Party Parts
Most accidents can require replacing of damaged parts, which gives you a good opportunity because they are easy to spot. A new shiny part on an otherwise old vehicle should warn you of this. Check the headlights, airbags and tail lights. These are the parts that are commonly damaged in a collision.
You can also check for missing or mismatched screws and fasteners; they should always be the same type and condition. It is an indication whether parts have been removed for a repair job.
Scrutinize Creased Panels, Misaligned Parts, and Panel Gaps
When a car has been in a serious accident, some parts may end up misaligned when they were being put back together after the repair job. Gaps should be at least minimal and consistent all over the bodywork. Check gaps on the doors and fender. Make sure that the doors close easily.
Look for crease marks on the sections of the engine bay and boot floor.
Take It to a Test Drive
If the car is not able to drive straight, this means that its alignment is off, which is a sign of an accident. That can be caused by a bent chassis and needs to be properly aligned. Uneven tires can also indicate this problem.
Some of the issues that were caused by a previous accident can arise at a later time and pose a great threat to your safety. Having auto insurance can provide you with the protection that you need. At Filer Insurance, Inc., we aim to make our client’s life easier with policies that are tailored to their needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (305) 270-2100. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.
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