Does C-pillar cutting count as a major accident?
2 Answers
Cutting the C-pillar of a car is considered a major accident. Here is relevant information about ABC pillars: 1. Location: The A-pillar is between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment, above the side mirrors. The C-pillar is on both sides of the rear seat headrests. 2. Function: ABC pillars are not just metal columns supporting the roof of the passenger compartment; they also play a crucial protective role for the occupants inside. In the event of a rollover or overturn, ABC pillars can effectively prevent the passenger compartment from being crushed and deformed. 3. Safety factor: The strength of ABC pillars is of vital importance to the lives inside the vehicle. In some high-end cars, ABC pillars are integrated with the body and frame, significantly improving the safety factor. On the other hand, ABC pillars are also the 'essential pathways' for some devices, such as certain electrical wiring, seat belts (B-pillar), lighting and audio equipment, and even airbags can be installed on them.
I've seen many accident vehicle assessment cases, and C-pillar cut vehicles definitely qualify as major accidents. Last time, a friend bought a used car with a perfectly repainted exterior, only to later discover welding marks on the C-pillar. This kind of cutting essentially severs the connection between the entire roof and the rear quarter panel, causing the body's rigidity to collapse completely. The repair shop said it's like a human breaking their spine—even if reconnected, during a collision, stress would concentrate entirely on the weld points, potentially deforming and jamming the trunk door. Driving such a car feels unsafe; going over a speed bump makes the entire rear end creak, and on rainy days, you can even see the body filler cracking and leaking water. If you really buy this kind of car, dealers will slash the price by half when you try to resell it.
