Not all accident damage is cosmetic
Car owners in Dagenham who successfully drove through the recent snow and ice without “denting” their pride and joy may still need to have their vehicles checked out to prevent further damage and to avoid unnecessary costly repairs.
That’s the advice of Paul Cunningham, owner of Fix Auto Dagenham, who believes many drivers only turn to their local repairer or insurance company whenever they see visible damage to their vehicles, and yet fail to have a simple check-up if they happen to clip a kerb, pothole or boulder after losing control in the wintery weather.
He says that quite often a car’s steering geometry and alignment, suspension and wheels are unknowingly damaged during the winter, and because the damage isn’t instantly evident or the vehicle is still able to be driven, a motorist will not think to have their car examined by experts.
Furthermore, an incident which results in what appears to be minor damage to a bumper could actually cause hidden damage to the chassis, and must not be ignored.
Mr Cunningham, said: “Not having your vehicle checked out thoroughly by an expert - even after the slightest of incidents like hitting a kerb - can prove a costly mistake.
“A quick steering geometry and wheel alignment check, alongside a visual check of your suspension and steering components can help keep you safe and guard against expensive repairs later on.
“All too often motorists who lose control of their vehicles and hit a kerb or a pothole - which is extremely common and unavoidable during severe wintery weather - will simply continue to drive their car as normal and yet could be doing untold damage.
“As an example, a vehicle continually driven with its wheels out of alignment creates irregular and rapid tyre wear. What’s even more serious is that severe impacts can cause damage to a car’s suspension, wheels and steering, the consequences of which can be horrific. That’s why it’s vital to get your car checked out if it doesn’t feel to be handling correctly.”
For more information or to book a free initial inspection of your vehicle, visit fixautodagenham.co.uk.
