How to Determine if a Used Car is an Accident Vehicle?
1 Answers
Methods to determine if a used car is an accident vehicle mainly include: 1. Check the hood screws: Open the hood and go straight to the hood screws. Since the screws on the engine compartment cover have a paint surface, if the paint on these screws is damaged, it may not necessarily mean it's an accident vehicle, but it definitely indicates that the hood has been removed. Generally, the hood is only removed for repairs after a significant front-end collision, so this situation should be noted carefully. 2. Inspect the engine compartment: In the car's engine compartment, you can see the left and right front longitudinal beams. If the screws on them appear to have been turned, compare both beams—if they are consistent, it’s normal. Then, check if the radiator support (also known as the "dragon frame") has been replaced by looking for the original manufacturer’s label on its front. Additionally, inspect the edges of the engine hood for smoothness in the rubber seals and whether they feel soft to the touch. If the seals are uneven or feel soft, it likely means the hood has been repaired. 4. Examine the paint: Scratches on the car can be identified by checking the paint. Light scratches can be concealed with a polisher, while deep ones require repainting. Repainted areas may be hard to detect with the naked eye, but uneven thickness can be felt by hand.
