As your local auto body experts at Downtown Collision, we’ve created this simple guide to help you understand the various types of collision damage and their implications for repair.

Common Types of Collision Damage

Front-end collisions represent approximately 40% of all vehicle accidents, according to IIHS data. These impacts often affect crucial safety components and require specialized repair approaches. Our auto body repair services address everything from minor bumper damage to comprehensive structural repairs.

Side-impact collisions present unique challenges, particularly regarding door functionality and passenger safety systems. As an I-CAR Gold Class certified facility, we understand the complexities of maintaining proper crash protection while restoring vehicle aesthetics.

For larger vehicles, including RVs and commercial trucks, collision damage requires specialized equipment and expertise. Our RV repair services utilize our unique 80-foot paint booth facility to handle even the most extensive damage.

Impact Assessment and Repair Planning

Professional collision repair begins with a thorough damage assessment. Modern vehicles require specific repair procedures to maintain safety systems and structural integrity. Consider these crucial elements:

• Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) require precise calibration after collision repair
• High-strength steel components often need replacement rather than repair
• Paint matching must account for environmental factors and aging
• Structural repairs must follow manufacturer-specified procedures to maintain safety standards

When dealing with collision damage, professional assessment helps prevent long-term issues. While we complete repairs, we ensure continuous mobility for our customers through our loaner vehicles program.

Advanced Repair Techniques and Technology

Modern collision repair involves sophisticated technology and techniques. Our I-CAR Gold Class certification ensures we stay current with the latest repair methods.

Key technological advances in collision repair include:

• Computer-aided measuring systems for precise frame alignment
• Specialized welding equipment for high-strength steel
• Advanced paint matching systems for perfect color matching
• Digital imaging for detailed damage documentation

Third-party studies from I-CAR demonstrate that proper repair procedures significantly impact vehicle safety and long-term value.

Front-End Collision

Affects safety systems, structural integrity, and mechanical parts.

Side Impact

Challenges in door function, airbag systems, and structural strength.

Advanced Repair Techniques

Uses computer-aided systems, specialized welding, and precise paint matching.

Protection and Prevention

Understanding collision damage helps vehicle owners make better decisions about repairs and maintenance. Regular inspections can identify potential issues before they become serious problems. For professional assistance or to schedule an inspection, contact us to speak with our certified technicians.

Remember, as your partnership-owned local auto body repair provider, we’re committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and service for our Sonoma County community. Whether you need minor repairs or major collision work, our team is here to help restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition safely and efficiently.

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Rear-end collisions cause obvious damage to the body and paint of your vehicle, but there is also damage done that you cannot see.

Find out what kind of hidden damage is caused by rear-end collisions.

Defining Hidden Damage

Hidden damage caused by a collision is damage you can’t see. While you can see paint transfer and dents, what you can’t see is the damage done to the body frame, mechanical, and electrical systems.

Frame Damage

When struck from behind even at seemingly slow speeds, it’s enough of an impact to cause damage to the frame of your vehicle. Although you can’t see it, telltale signs are in the way the vehicle handles post-collision. Here are some of the signs of frame damage.

Alignment

Alignment issues are identified by a noticeable difference in the way your vehicle handles.

• Steering wheel pulls to one side or shakes
• Noise when steering, especially when maneuvering turns
• Entire vehicle wobbles, shakes, or vibrates
• Tires wear unevenly

Another sign of frame misalignment is difficulty opening or closing the trunk, hood, or doors. When the back frame is damaged, the trunk may simply pop open randomly if the latches are damaged or out of alignment.

Damage to the trunk and doors may also damage the seals, allowing moisture to settle in and around your door, window, and trunk frames. Moisture settling into the frame causes rust, corrosion, mustiness, and mold.

Rear-end collisions may damage the suspension system, including shocks and struts. A bumpier ride is an indicator that there’s something wrong with your suspension.

Mechanical System Damage

The most common type of hidden damage to the mechanical system is to the transmission. If you have a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, transmission components are located near the rear of the vehicle, seriously increasing the odds of damage.

If you notice problems with shifting gears, accelerating, or the vehicle leaks fluid (especially dark red fluid), it’s possible that your transmission has been damaged.

Electrical System Damage

Especially with today’s vehicles, they house an intricate matrix of wires and sensors. In bumpers alone, there are sensors that control the Advanced Driver Assistance features (ADAS) such as cruise control, blind spot, and lane deviation warnings.

Other electrical components at risk are the connections to headlights, taillights, brake lights and the battery.

Conclusion

As you can see, rear-end collisions can cause a long list of hidden damage and to be safe, should be inspected by an experienced auto repair shop to locate, assess, and repair the damage.

To restore your vehicle frame, car paint, and all of your collision repairs, contact the experienced auto body experts at Downtown Collision in Santa Rosa.

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