How to Tell if a Car Has Been in an Accident?

[OElias]

Here are specific methods to determine if a car has been in an accident: Check the Exterior: Inspect whether the paint color on the car body is consistent and whether the surface curves on both sides are smooth. Look at the paint reflection at a 30- to 45-degree angle to see if it appears normal. Observe if the shoulders of the car are at the same height; if not, it may indicate that the car frame has been repaired or the suspension and shock absorbers were not properly fixed. Check if the gaps between the engine hood and the fenders are even, if the door edge gaps are consistent, and if the gaps around the headlights and taillights match in size and wear. Ensure all glass panels bear the same brand logo. Test if the doors close tightly, with uniform sound and effort. Finally, examine the tire wear—check if the brand and tread patterns are consistent. If they differ, the tires must be replaced after purchase to ensure driving safety. Check the Interior: Inspect the seats and upholstery for cleanliness and signs of replacement or disassembly. Verify if the original headrests and accessories are intact. Test all switches and controls for smooth operation and functionality. If the dealership has refurbished the seats or interior, the car may have significant issues. Before starting the engine, turn the ignition key and observe if all dashboard lights display correctly without any missing indicators. Most modern fuel-injected cars have warning light functions—all indicators should light up when the ignition is turned on. If any light fails to illuminate, the owner may have removed the bulb to hide unresolved faults. Test Drive:

[LeWillow]

Last time I helped a friend check out a used car, I mainly focused on these areas. First, walk around the car to see if the body gaps are even, especially the seams between the doors and the hood. Uneven gaps might indicate a collision. Peel back the door seals to check if the weld points are the neat, round dots typical of factory work—repaired ones will look rough. Open the hood and inspect the front frame rails; wrinkles or signs of re-welding usually mean a major accident. The trunk floor is also important—if the spare tire well shows signs of panel repair, it’s a red flag. Don’t skip checking the records; using the VIN to look up maintenance and repair history on a professional platform is the most reliable. If possible, lift the car to inspect the frame for any deformations. Paying attention to these details will help you spot most issues.