What Kind of Car is Called an Accident Vehicle?
3 Answers
A car is referred to as an accident vehicle under the following circumstances: 1. It has suffered impact damage to the engine compartment and the driver's compartment; 2. The rear fender has been damaged by impact exceeding one-third of its area; 3. The longitudinal beams, shock absorber mounts, or A/B/C pillars have undergone welding, cutting, reshaping, or deformation; 4. The car's airbags have deployed due to impact. Methods to identify an accident vehicle include: 1. Checking if there is a significant difference in the gaps across the entire body; 2. Inspecting the paint surface for smoothness and tapping the panels to listen for a dull or crisp sound; 3. Observing the force required to open all four doors; 4. Examining the welding points on the body for obvious signs; 5. Entering the car to check the interior panels for any signs of looseness.
I've seen quite a few cars involved in accidents. A true accident vehicle refers to those that have experienced major collisions or undergone significant damage repairs, such as high-speed rear-end collisions causing frame deformation, or cars with deployed airbags. These vehicles might look fine after repairs, but they often have numerous internal issues—unstable steering, soft brakes, and inexplicably high fuel consumption. When buying a used car, be cautious. Accident records can be checked with insurance companies. Uneven body panel gaps and noticeable paint color differences are likely signs of past accidents. Even after repairs, these cars won't fetch a good price and pose significant safety risks. Before purchasing, it's wise to have a knowledgeable friend thoroughly inspect the chassis and wiring. Don't be tempted by low prices—it could lead to major regrets.
As an experienced car enthusiast, I've studied salvage vehicles. Simply put, they're cars that have sustained severe damage and can't be fully restored to original condition, such as rollovers or flood damage causing frame distortion or electrical system failure. During inspection, look for body panel repair marks - broken factory seal lines on bolts often indicate major repairs. Salvage cars harbor hidden dangers post-repair, like alignment issues or electrical shorts, making them nerve-wracking to drive. They depreciate significantly and face insurance challenges. For first-time buyers, always check the VIN history online and conduct comprehensive inspections to avoid pitfalls.
