Does a Damaged Radiator Count as an Accident Vehicle?
2 Answers
Damaged radiator is considered an accident vehicle. Below are the detailed explanations: Introduction to Accident Vehicles: An accident vehicle refers to a car that has suffered damage due to non-natural wear and tear accidents, resulting in decreased mechanical performance and economic value. Generally, "accident vehicles" are those with structural damage. Additionally, water-damaged cars and fire-damaged cars also fall under the category of "special accident vehicles". Methods to Identify Accident Vehicles: Check the interior. Compared to the exterior, the interior can better reflect the age of a vehicle. For example, the steering wheel will show signs of wear from daily use and friction with palms; if the surface of the center armrest or gear shift lever begins to peel, this level of wear cannot be achieved in just 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. The most critical indicators are the knobs and buttons inside the car, which will become smooth and shiny from prolonged use.
A damaged radiator doesn't necessarily mean the car is totaled—it depends on the extent of the damage. A 'totaled car' typically refers to a vehicle that has been in a collision causing structural deformation, such as damage to the frame or chassis. A broken radiator might just result from minor scrapes, like hitting a curb or a light rear-end collision, where the radiator gets deformed or leaks but the car body remains largely intact. In such cases, fixing the radiator solves the issue without affecting the overall vehicle. However, if the collision is severe, with radiator damage accompanied by bumper deformation or front longitudinal beam bending, then it indeed qualifies as a totaled car. I've seen many friends' cars get their radiators replaced after minor accidents, and they ran just fine afterward. In short, have a professional auto repair shop inspect the car's frame first—don't rush to label it. Safety comes first, or a faulty radiator could lead to engine overheating and serious problems.
