Front-end collisions can happen due to overtaking, drunk driving, unsafe passing, speeding, or wrong-way driving. Whatever the cause is, head-on collisions will undoubtedly result in severe vehicular damage and serious injuries. If you recently figured in this fender-bender, you’re probably wondering, what can be damaged in a front-end collision?
The severity of damage after a front-end collision varies. It can range from a dented bumper to total engine damage.
The best way to know the actual state of your damaged car is to call collision repair experts. Here at Enzo Collision, we’ve encountered hundreds of head-on collisions, and below are the common damage we diagnose.
Most common front-end collision damage
Cars that figured on head-on collisions often sustain twice as much damage as a crash. If both vehicles travel at 55 mph, the impact force would be 110 mph. This means two things: expensive hospital bills and equally costly collision repairs.
Here’s a list of possible damages your vehicle may sustain:
1. Bumper damage
Since it’s a front-end collision, the first thing that will get damaged is your car’s bumper. It can be a big scratch, a dent, or a complete detachment of the bumper from your vehicle.
Take note that car bumpers are made exactly for the purpose of cushioning the force of a collision. It’s meant to break during a bumper collision or crash so that the energy won’t be transmitted to the car and passengers.
Nevertheless, this is considered minor front-end collision damage and one of the cheapest to fix. It usually costs around $100 to $1,000 to replace a bumper, depending on the model of your car and the customization you want. The cost could be higher if you need additional car painting services.
2. Fender and grille damage
The front part of your car, including the fenders and grille, will absorb most of the shock during a collision.
The fenders of your vehicle can get crumpled upon impact. On the other hand, the grille would be broken or bent, depending on the angle of the collision.
But just like the bumper, your car’s fender and grille are meant to protect internal parts. It’s made to shield the engine against force and harsh elements.
Take note that if your fenders and grille are crushed, your vehicle likely sustained more damage inside.
3. Car hood damage
Your car’s hood is designed to pop open during a front-end collision. It’s the reason why hoods are flexible and not made of thick metal.
With this, your car hood is expected to get damaged after a head-on accident. It’s part of dispersing the force of the impact instead of sending it throughout the vehicle.
Your hood can be repaired or replaced based on the extent of the damage. If a significant part is crumpled, collision repair experts will recommend a replacement.
4. Deployed/damaged airbags
During a head-on collision, the airbags can be deployed. Aside from intense impact, airbags can also engage, depending on the angle from where you collide.
But even if your airbags didn’t deploy, you should still get it checked by a collision repair expert. The impact can damage the airbag mechanism, which could cause failure to deploy in future accidents.
Your car’s airbags are lifesavers. Make sure you get it checked not just after a collision but at least once a year if you’re on the road frequently.
5. Windshield damage
After your car’s bumper, grille, and hood, your windshield is the next line of defense. It can crack or become fully damaged in a high-speed collision.
You should have your windshield repaired even if it only sustained a small crack. This minor damage will become a big problem once the sunlight hits your windshield. It will cause a blinding glare, making you prone to further accidents.
Also, it’s only a matter of time before a tiny crack branch out into bigger fissures. You may end up needing a replacement if you delay repairs.
6. Headlight damage
Headlights are the most common casualties of front-end collisions. Shattered headlights must be repaired before you can drive your car back.
Take note that driving with a broken headlight will increase your risk of having another accident. Also, you’ll get pulled over by a cop and given a ticket.
7. Bent or misaligned wheels
Front-end damage can also include misaligned wheels and bent hubs.
A wheel that’s out of shape will make your car unsafe for driving. In fact, driving with misaligned wheels will cause imbalance and vibrations that will further damage your vehicle.
Specifically, misaligned wheels will cause excessive wear and tear on your brake system. Your brakes may go out, which is something you wouldn’t want to experience in the middle of the road.
Aside from that, misaligned wheels could damage the hub even more, leading to replacements instead of repairs.
8. Transmission damage
Your transmission can sustain the biggest front-end collision hidden damage. Remember that your car’s engine and transmission are located in the front, which will absorb substantial force during a head-on collision.
This can cause transmission fluid leaks and oil leaks. If not diagnosed and repaired, these leaks will negatively impact the roadworthiness of your vehicle.
You may end up in another accident if you drive a car with a damaged transmission.
When it comes to transmission damage, you’d want to be proactive. Transmission replacements are expensive and could cost up to $7,000.
As much as possible, you’d want to repair smaller problems. Sometimes, a rebuild can be done if you want to avoid a total replacement.
9. Radiator damage
Your car’s radiator is under the hood, so it’s vulnerable during a head-on collision. The impact can cause a coolant leak, affecting the engine’s performance.
A damaged radiator can lead to an overheating engine if not repaired. The damage will also spread to your vehicle’s fan, hoses, and entire cooling system.
10. Suspension and alignment problems
The suspension of a car is vulnerable during collisions since it’s attached to the wheels. The damage would be more extensive if your vehicle had an independent suspension where every wheel has its own arm.
The suspension components could break and make your car dangerous to drive. If you suspect your vehicle sustained this damage, you should have it towed instead of driving it to an auto shop.
11. Damaged chassis
The chassis serves as your car’s backbone. It supports the vehicle’s weight and ensures it remains stable while driving, especially at high speeds. Also, it prevents your vehicle from crushing like a tin can during a collision.
Aside from the dents and dings, your car’s body frame can get twisted and bent because of the accident.
A severely damaged chassis is expensive to fix. In some cases, straightening a damaged chassis can cost you up to $10,000 in extensive repairs.
Take note that a damaged chassis isn’t in the best shape to absorb shock. If you continue to drive your car with this problem, you’re at higher risk of having life-threatening injuries in future accidents.
12. Issues with the steering and braking systems
Severe collisions often damage the braking and steering systems of a car. Components like the transaxle, CV axles, and driving shaft can sustain front-end car damage.
These parts can bend or break upon impact. If you try to drive with this issue, your car will not remain in a straight line or will keep pulling to one side.
Unfortunately, some parts of the steering system can’t be repaired once broken or bent. It must be replaced to restore the proper driving conditions of your car.
13. Engine damage
Can a front-end collision cause engine damage? It definitely can.
The impact of the accident can break engine parts like the crankshaft, cylinder blocks, and connecting rods. Oil leaks will also occur, which can impact your car’s entire operation.
In some cases, a head-on collision can lead to a seized engine. Repairs can be done to salvage your car’s engine, but some require a total replacement.
Replacing a car engine will set you back by at least $3,000. It’s way more expensive for luxury cars and other high-end models.
Take note that a totaled car engine isn’t safe to drive. It will only cause more damage to the vehicle and expose you to heightened risk of accidents.
Get the best front-end collision repair in Los Angeles
If you’re dealing with any of these car damages, Enzo Collision is here to help. We are an insurance-accredited and fully licensed repair center in Los Angeles.
We provide a written lifetime warranty for all our repairs, regardless of whether you own or lease the car. It guarantees that our repairs are long-lasting and worth every dollar spent.
Also, we provide free towing with all repairs, so you don’t have to worry about how to get your car out of the collision site. Our tow contractors are certified, licensed, and insured for your peace of mind.
We know that collisions are stressful and traumatic, so we lessen the burden by providing affordable and honest repairs tailored to your situation. We also have complete auto insurance claim handling with a lawyer available on-site.
Call or text us, and we will help you by repairing your damaged car. We know what to check after a front-end collision, and we’re available Monday to Sunday to handle all your car repair needs.
