How to Identify a Major Accident Vehicle?
2 Answers
Large accident vehicles are identified as follows: 1. Vehicles with damaged engine compartments and passenger compartments after impact. 2. Vehicles with more than one-third damage to the rear fender due to impact. 3. Vehicles with welded, cut, reshaped, or deformed longitudinal beams. 4. Vehicles with welded, cut, reshaped, or deformed shock absorber seats. 5. Vehicles with welded, cut, reshaped, or deformed A, B, or C pillars. 6. Vehicles whose airbags deployed due to collision. 7. Vehicles with severe welding, cutting, reshaping, or deformation of other non-removable components. 8. Vehicles with more than half of the body submerged in water or water entering the passenger compartment. 9. Vehicles with more than 0.5 square meters of fire damage to the body, posing safety hazards even after repair.
I remember helping a friend check out a used car before, and determining whether it was a severely damaged vehicle relied on experience and observation. A severe accident refers to a heavy collision that damages the car's frame or safety systems, not just a superficial repair. First, inspect the car's exterior: walk around the vehicle to check for obvious asymmetries, such as uneven gaps between doors or differences in paint color, which might indicate repainting. Then, listen to the sound when opening and closing the doors—if the sound is hollow or unstable, there could be an issue. It's best to check the maintenance records or insurance reports, as severe accidents usually come with repair lists showing replaced parts. If the airbags deployed but weren’t replaced, it poses a significant safety risk. Also, during a test drive, pay attention to whether the steering wheel pulls to one side or if there are signs of deformation or tampered screws in the engine bay. Severely damaged cars depreciate quickly, handle poorly, offer weaker protection in accidents, and pose higher safety risks. When buying a used car, always be cautious and seek professional inspection or review reports for confirmation.
