How to Tell If Your Car Needs Collision Repair: 6 Signs!

When you’re driving around Minnesota’s busy highways or navigating through parking lots, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. 

At LaMettry’s Collision, we’ve been helping drivers since 1976 recognize when their vehicles need professional attention after an incident. 

Understanding the warning signs that indicate your car needs collision repair can save you money, ensure your safety, and prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

#1. Visible Body Damage

The most obvious indicator that you need collision repair is visible damage to your vehicle’s exterior. This includes dents, scratches, cracked bumpers, or misaligned panels. Even seemingly minor damage can affect your car’s structural integrity and safety systems.

What to look for: 

• Dents larger than a quarter
• Deep scratches that expose bare metal
• Cracked or broken plastic components
• Misaligned doors, hood, or trunk
• Paint chips or peeling

We often see customers who think minor dents and scratches are just cosmetic issues. However, these problems can lead to rust, corrosion, and decreased resale value if left untreated. Our team at LaMettry’s Collision uses manufacturer-approved repair procedures to restore your vehicle to its original condition.

Small scratches may be fixed with paintless dent repair. They might seem harmless, but they can allow moisture to reach the metal underneath, leading to rust formation. This is particularly important in Minnesota’s harsh winter climate, where road salt accelerates corrosion.

#2. Unusual Noises While Driving

After any auto collision, your vehicle might develop strange sounds that weren’t there before. These noises often indicate damage to internal components, suspension systems, or loose parts that need immediate attention.

Common post-collision noises include:

• Grinding sounds – Usually indicate brake or transmission damage
• Rattling noises – Suggest loose or damaged exhaust components
• Squealing sounds – Often point to belt or bearing problems
• Clicking noises – May indicate CV joint or suspension damage
• Humming or buzzing – Could signal wheel bearing issues
• Scraping sounds – Often mean damaged panels are rubbing against tires

Don’t ignore these warning signs. What starts as a minor annoyance can quickly become a safety hazard or an expensive repair if left unaddressed. Our certified technicians can diagnose the source of unusual noises and provide transparent explanations of necessary repairs.

#3. Vehicle Pulling or Steering Problems

One of the most dangerous signs that your car needs collision repair is when it starts pulling to one side or exhibits steering irregularities. This often indicates frame damage, suspension issues, or wheel alignment problems resulting from the collision.

Steering problems to watch for:

• Vehicle pulls left or right while driving straight
• The steering wheel vibrates or shakes
• Difficulty turning or increased steering effort
• The steering wheel sits off-center when driving straight
• The car feels unstable at highway speeds

Frame damage is particularly serious because it affects your vehicle’s structural integrity and safety. At LaMettry’s Collision, we use advanced measuring equipment to detect even minor frame distortions that might not be visible to the naked eye.

Suspension damage can also cause these symptoms. Your suspension system includes springs, shocks, struts, and various connecting components that work together to provide a smooth, controlled ride. When these components are damaged in a collision, your vehicle’s handling and safety can be significantly compromised.

#4. Electrical System Malfunctions

Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronic systems for everything from engine management to safety features. Collision damage can disrupt these systems, causing various electrical problems that require professional car collision repair.

Electrical issues that may indicate collision damage:

Even minor fender-benders can damage electrical connections, especially in modern vehicles where wiring runs throughout the body panels. Water intrusion from damaged seals can also cause electrical problems that worsen over time.

We frequently encounter vehicles where collision damage has affected the computer systems that control safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, or stability control. These systems are critical for your protection, and any malfunction requires immediate attention from qualified professionals.

#5. Fluid Leaks

Post–collision fluid leaks are serious warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Different colored fluids indicate various problems, and some can be dangerous if your vehicle isn’t repaired promptly.

Types of fluid leaks and their implications:

• Red fluid – Transmission fluid or power steering fluid leaks
• Green, orange, or pink fluid – Coolant leaks that can cause engine overheating
• Black or brown fluid – Engine oil leaks
• Clear or yellow fluid – Brake fluid leaks (extremely dangerous)
• Blue fluid – Windshield washer fluid leaks

Brake fluid leaks are particularly dangerous because they can lead to brake failure. If you notice any clear or yellowish fluid under your vehicle, stop driving immediately and contact our team for emergency vehicle collision repair services.

Coolant leaks can cause your engine to overheat, potentially resulting in thousands of dollars in additional damage. Even small leaks should be addressed promptly to prevent more serious problems.

#6. Doors, Windows, or Trunk Won’t Open or Close Properly

When doors, windows, or your trunk don’t operate correctly after a collision, it often indicates frame damage or misaligned body panels. This isn’t just an inconvenience – it can be a safety hazard and security risk that requires glass replacement.

Common issues include:

• Doors that stick or require excessive force to open/close
• Windows that won’t roll up or down completely
• Trunk or hood that won’t latch properly
• Gaps between panels that weren’t there before
• Wind noise while driving due to poor seal contact

Frame damage can cause body panels to shift out of alignment, affecting how doors, windows, and other moving parts function. Our technicians use precision measuring tools to identify frame damage and restore proper alignment using manufacturer specifications.

Poor door operation can also indicate damage to the door frame, hinges, or internal mechanisms. In severe cases, compromised door integrity can affect your safety in a subsequent collision.

When to Seek Professional Assessment

Not all collision damage is immediately apparent. Some problems may develop days or weeks after an incident, so you should know what to do in an accident. 

We recommend having your vehicle professionally inspected after any collision, regardless of how minor it may seem.

Schedule an inspection if you experience:

• Any of the warning signs mentioned above
• Recent involvement in any type of collision
• Concerns about your vehicle’s safety or performance
• Insurance claim requirements for damage assessment

At LaMettry’s Collision, we provide free estimates and thorough inspections to identify all collision-related damage. Our manufacturer-trained technicians can spot problems that might not be obvious to untrained eyes.

The Importance of Professional Collision Repair

Attempting to ignore collision damage or using unqualified repair services can have serious consequences. Professional collision repair ensures your vehicle’s safety, maintains its value, and protects your investment.

Benefits of professional car collision repair:

• Safety assurance – Proper repair of safety systems and structural components
• Warranty protection – Our lifetime warranty on workmanship and paint
• Insurance coordination – We handle insurance paperwork and claims processing
• OEM parts – We use genuine manufacturer parts, not inferior substitutes
• Proper procedures – Following manufacturer repair specifications exactly
• Advanced equipment – State-of-the-art tools and diagnostic equipment

Our commitment to quality means using only genuine OEM parts and following strict manufacturer repair procedures. Unlike some shops that prioritize insurance company interests, we focus on restoring your vehicle to its original safety and performance standards.

Why Choose LaMettry’s Collision for Your Repair Needs

Since 1976, we’ve built our reputation on customer satisfaction and quality workmanship. Our family business understands that vehicle collision repair can be stressful, which is why we provide transparent communication throughout the entire process.

Our advantages include:

• No-cost concierge service with free pickup and delivery
• Manufacturer certifications for various makes and models
• Lifetime warranty on all workmanship and paint
• Insurance expertise – We handle all insurance paperwork
• Multiple locations across the Twin Cities metro area
• Regular updates throughout the repair process

We’re proud to be certified for repairs on many vehicle makes and models, ensuring we have the latest training and equipment to properly service your specific vehicle. Our technicians receive ongoing education to stay current with evolving automotive technology.

Our no-cost concierge service makes the repair process as convenient as possible. We’ll pick up your damaged vehicle and deliver it back to you when repairs are complete, so you don’t have to worry about transportation logistics during an already stressful time.

Understanding the Repair Process

When you bring your vehicle to us for collision repair, we follow a systematic approach to ensure nothing is overlooked and all damage is properly addressed.

Our repair process includes:

1. Initial assessment – Comprehensive inspection of visible and hidden damage
2. Detailed estimate – Transparent pricing with explanation of necessary work
3. Insurance coordination – Direct communication with your insurance company
4. Ordering parts – Sourcing genuine OEM replacement components
5. Repair execution – Following manufacturer procedures exactly
6. Quality control – Multiple inspections throughout the process
7. Final inspection – Ensuring everything meets our high standards
8. Customer walkthrough – Explaining completed work before delivery

We believe in keeping our customers informed throughout the entire process. You’ll receive regular updates on progress, and we’re always available to answer questions or address concerns.

The Cost of Delaying Collision Repair

Many drivers consider postponing collision repair to avoid immediate expenses, but this decision often costs more in the long run. Delayed repairs can lead to additional problems that are more expensive to fix.

Consequences of delaying repair:

• Rust and corrosion damage from exposed metal
• Safety system malfunctions that could cause accidents
• Decreased vehicle value and trade-in worth
• Insurance complications if additional damage occurs
• Potential legal liability in some situations

Minnesota’s harsh climate makes prompt collision repair even more important. Road salt, moisture, and temperature fluctuations can quickly worsen collision damage, turning minor repairs into major reconstruction projects.

Final Thoughts

Recognizing the signs that your vehicle needs collision repair is crucial for maintaining your safety and protecting your investment. From visible damage and unusual noises to steering problems and electrical malfunctions, these warning signs shouldn’t be ignored.

At LaMettry’s Collision, we’re committed to providing the highest quality collision repair services with transparent communication and lifetime warranties. Our manufacturer-trained technicians use genuine OEM parts and follow strict repair procedures to restore your vehicle to its original condition. 

With our no-cost concierge service and multiple convenient locations across the Twin Cities, we make professional collision repair as easy as possible. Don’t wait until minor damage becomes a major problem. Contact us today for your free estimate and get back on the road safely!