What is a Salvage Car?
3 Answers
Salvage cars refer to vehicles that have suffered damage from non-natural wear and tear accidents, resulting in decreased mechanical performance and economic value. The following scenarios classify a vehicle as a salvage car: 1. Vehicles where the engine compartment or passenger compartment has been damaged due to impact; 2. Vehicles where the rear quarter panel has been damaged by more than one-third due to impact; 3. Vehicles with welded, cut, reshaped, or deformed longitudinal beams; 4. Vehicles with welded, cut, reshaped, or deformed shock absorber mounts; 5. Vehicles with welded, cut, reshaped, or deformed A, B, or C pillars; 6. Vehicles where the airbags have deployed due to impact; 7. Vehicles with severe welding, cutting, reshaping, or deformation in other non-removable parts; 8. Vehicles where the body has been submerged in water exceeding half of its height, or where water has entered the passenger compartment.
An accident car refers to a vehicle that has been involved in a collision or other severe accident, resulting in structural damage. I have personally seen many cases of accident cars where critical structural components like the frame rails and A-pillars are often bent or deformed. This is not something that can be fixed with a simple paint job. Even after repairs, the car may pull to one side or produce strange noises while driving. The most alarming issue is that the airbags might not deploy in the event of another collision. Many people are wary of buying used cars that have been in accidents because their safety is significantly compromised. I recommend checking the vehicle's repair history or consulting someone knowledgeable about cars to inspect it. Accident cars often show signs of re-welding near the VIN, and the glass dates may not match the rest of the vehicle—these are key clues to look for.
A so-called accident vehicle refers to one that has been involved in a major collision, where the frame structure has been directly damaged. Minor scratches and dents don't count. Once when I was helping a relative pick a used car, we came across one that had been hit on the side. The door had been replaced with a new one and looked shiny, but upon peeling back the rubber seal, we found welding marks on the B-pillar. Even after repairs, such damage affects safety, with noticeably unstable handling during high-speed turns. The key issue is that accident-prone cars tend to develop problems after a couple of years—common issues include suspension system noises or door leaks. When buying used, it's best to bring a magnet to check the body. Factory paint will hold the magnet firmly, while areas with filler will have weaker magnetism. These are all practical tips.
