Car accidents are, unfortunately, one of the many hazards that come with driving. There's never any guarantee that your commute from point A to point B will be safe and free of accidents. While we do all we can to prevent them, accidents do happen and you have to ready to deal with the fallout from them. One thing you might be tempted to do after a car accident is drive yourself to a different location, or home perhaps. But, your car just experienced what's likely a huge amount of damage.
If you have somewhere to be after your fender bender, but aren't sure if your ride is driveable, Toyota of Clermont is here to help. Here's how you can tell if your car is safe enough to drive after a car accident.
Things You Should Check After a Car Accident
Can You Close and Latch the Hood?
If you're in a fender bender or another type of Clermont car accident, chances are that your hood was damaged. If your car's hood can't close and latch properly after an accident, it could become a huge safety hazard to you and others on the road. Wind could catch it at the right angle and cause it to swing up. This could shatter your windshield and get rid of your field of view. If you can't close your car's hood, don't drive.
Is There a Fluid Leak Anywhere?
Leaking fluids is never good under normal circumstances. But after your Clermont Toyota car has been in an accident, a fluid leak definitely spells trouble. Unless you're something of an auto service expert, you likely won't know what kind of fluid is leaking from your vehicle. It could be motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, and so on. This not only indicates damage but could make for further damage if left alone or driven with.
Are the Wheels Still Aligned?
Another likely outcome to being in a car accident is that your wheels will likely be misaligned as a result. If you can, perform a short road test before trying to head to your destination. If you notice that your vehicle is pulling to one side instead of maintaining a uniform path, then your wheels are misaligned. If your Clermont vehicle is hard to drive straight, then you shouldn't try.
Are Your Windshield and Mirrors Broken?
Your Clermont Toyota car's windshield is your main protection against everything flying against you from the road. A car accident will likely cause some damage to your windshield. If there are only small cracks, then you should be fine enough to make it to a body shop to start repairs. If you have larger sections of damage, then it's advisable that you call a tow truck. The same goes for your mirrors being broken. Without them you won't be able to see around your vehicle and could risk getting into another accident on your way to wherever you're going.
Do Your Head and Tail Lights Work?
Again, the likelihood that these auto parts will be broken after your car accident is high. But, there's always a chance! If your headlights and taillights are working properly then that's a good sign and means you can probably drive your vehicle. If not, don't chance the trip in your Clermont Toyota car. Without your headlights there's no way other drivers will know you're there and without your taillights you can't let those behind you know that you're slowing down.
Auto Body Repairs Made Easy at Toyota of Clermont
Don't let this car accident stress you out! Visit Toyota of Clermont's certified collision center today for all your repair needs and get back on the road in no time. Find us at 16851 State Road 50 or schedule an appointment with us online.
Comments