What are the problems with a car that has been in a major accident?
3 Answers
A vehicle that has been in a major accident usually leaves traces on the frame, which are difficult to fully repair. Here is some relevant information about accident vehicles: 1. Definition: An accident vehicle refers to a vehicle that has been damaged by non-natural wear and tear accidents, resulting in a decline in mechanical performance and economic value. Generally, an "accident vehicle" refers to a vehicle with structural damage. Additionally, flood-damaged cars and fire-damaged cars also fall into the category of "special accident vehicles." 2. Identification methods: Methods to identify accident vehicles include exterior inspection, headlight inspection, insurance record checks, and interior inspection. 3. Conditions for quick accident handling: The conditions for quick accident handling are no personal injuries, property damage not exceeding 2000 yuan, no dispute over accident liability among the parties involved, the accident vehicle being drivable, all parties involved having vehicle insurance, and the willingness of the parties to proceed to a designated location for damage assessment.
Having worked in the automotive industry for years and frequently dealt with salvage vehicles, I can attest that cars after major accidents harbor numerous hidden dangers. Firstly, if the vehicle's frame is distorted, its rigidity decreases significantly. This compromises the crumple zones during collisions, drastically reducing the protection of the passenger compartment. Airbags may have already deployed or fail to activate when needed most, rendering them useless in critical moments. Secondly, electrical systems are prone to issues like short circuits in wiring harnesses or burnt-out modules, leading to false warning lights or malfunctioning features. Repairs are costly and problems often recur. Frame misalignment also affects suspension and chassis performance, causing abnormal noises or alignment issues that result in frequent tire replacements and increased expenses. Most alarming are latent defects, such as incomplete weld penetration that leads to rust and fractures over time. I've seen countless cases where buyers are lured by the seemingly low price, only to face rapid depreciation, difficulty obtaining insurance, and rejection in the used car market due to the accident history. Safety should always come first—steer clear of these vehicles.
I have personal experience buying a used car that had been in an accident, and now I deeply regret it. It constantly has minor issues, such as engine damage from the impact, loud noises, and skyrocketing fuel consumption. During maintenance, I discovered unbalanced suspension, causing strong vibrations and poor comfort on bumpy roads. Mechanical parts wear out faster, the steering system feels stiff, and there's a dangerous floating sensation at high speeds. The paint repair was incomplete, leading to rapid rust spread in some areas, and the interior has a strong odor. The air conditioning is as weak as a fan. The repair records are incomplete, hiding many defects, and every trip to the shop costs unnecessary money—long-term expenses exceed those of a new car. Its value has halved in the used car market, insurance is limited, and it feels unsafe for family use, making nighttime driving nerve-wracking. I strongly recommend thoroughly checking the vehicle history report to avoid such pitfalls.
