What are the methods for detecting body damage?

[VonSebastian]

Body damage detection methods include: inspecting the cabin, especially internal and external protrusions, body panels and guards, door and window glass, etc., which should meet technical requirements. All components should be complete, effective, and securely connected. The fixing of doors and interior handrails, as well as the connection of hanging rings, should be reliable. The guardrails at hinged sections should be intact. The extent of body damage is categorized as follows: 1. Minor damage: Damage to the headlights and surrounding areas, scratches or abrasions on the paint surface, or paint peeling. 2. Light damage: Damage to the front face and headlights, damage to the front fender, or minor damage to a specific part of the car body. 3. Moderate damage: Damage to the front face, front fender, hood, front windshield, front pillar, rear fender, trunk lid, and door pillars. 4. Severe damage: Damage to the front face, hood, front and rear fenders, as well as damage to the doors, rear swing, and trunk lid. The roof and body floor are also damaged, and the front, middle, and rear compartments of the car are deformed.

[ElizabethMarie]

I often perform vehicle body damage inspections myself and have considerable experience. After each car wash or before long trips, I find a well-lit garage to meticulously check the body surface for new scratches or dents. I gently run my hand over the body panels to detect any unevenness, especially on doors and hoods which are prone to scrapes. If I notice anything unusual, I use a magnet—areas where it doesn't stick firmly might indicate body filler from repairs. Then I examine the body lines, using a soft measuring tape or straight rope to check symmetry from bumper to trunk; any deviation suggests prior collision damage. Wheel wells and rocker panels are key areas as they're susceptible to rust or mud accumulation leading to corrosion spread. I also make it a habit to crouch and inspect the undercarriage—stone impacts often leave dents that compromise structural safety. Early detection saves money and hassle. I recommend monthly self-inspections combined with professional evaluations to prevent potential issues. The whole process takes just ten minutes but greatly benefits maintenance—small damages left unattended can escalate into major problems affecting driving confidence.

[OArianna]

Having driven for many years, checking for car body damage has become a habit for me. Usually, I walk slowly around the car, observing the reflection of light with my eyes; if the light and shadow are distorted or there's a color difference, there might be an issue. I run my hands over the body to feel for roughness or raised spots—areas with touch-up paint are never as smooth. A straightedge helps me check the flatness of panels; any bending indicates impact damage. Extra attention is paid to the chassis and door sills, as rust spreads quickly from these areas. For safety, I pay special attention to structural parts like the frame beams—any damage here directly affects crash protection. After my own inspection, I note down minor details and schedule regular deep checks at the repair shop. Remember, protecting your car's body reduces repair costs and enhances driving stability.

[ElainaLynn]

I focus on practical tips for detecting body damage. When using my car, I shine a flashlight on the surface to check reflection smoothness; spots or wavy shadows suggest dents. The magnet test is quick and effective—areas with poor adhesion often indicate prior repairs. Inspect seams like door frame widths for consistency, as misalignment may signal accident history. Rust under wheel arches is easily overlooked and requires extra attention. These methods help me avoid major repairs and ensure safety.