Is a New Car Still Safe After Being Repaired from a Major Accident?
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Automobiles are designed with a service life of over 20 years. Whether a new car remains safe after being repaired from a major accident depends on the quality of the repairs. If the damaged vehicle can be restored to its original factory technical standards, its safety will not be compromised. However, vehicles that cannot be restored to their original technical condition will have safety risks. Accidents can impact a vehicle in the following ways: 1. Suboptimal Repair Outcomes: After a traffic accident, a vehicle may suffer strong impacts, leading to varying degrees of damage. In severe cases, the entire body may be severely deformed. Although there are many auto repair shops, due to the low technical skills of repair personnel and the use of outdated equipment, the repair outcomes are often suboptimal, resulting in reduced safety and reliability of the repaired vehicle. 2. Irrecoverable Fatigue Life: Even if an accident-damaged vehicle can be restored to its original appearance after repairs, its fatigue life cannot be fully recovered. Moreover, most accident repairs do not follow the manufacturer's specified methods, leading to further reductions in structural strength. Therefore, it is crucial to assess whether the vehicle can be fully restored—vehicles that cannot be fully restored are not recommended for purchase. 3. Depreciation Issues: For high-value vehicles, even minor repairs like bumper replacements can significantly impact resale value. Conversely, for lower-value vehicles, certain defects may not be as noticeable. Compared to critical damage to components like the crash beam, chassis, or engine, replacing a bumper is relatively insignificant.