When shopping for a used car, one of the biggest concerns buyers have is whether or not the vehicle has been in an accident. While car dealerships are legally required to disclose details of a written off vehicle, private sellers may not always be as forthcoming with this information.
While it’s important to know how to spot the signs of a previous accident, it’s also important to conduct car history check to confirm your suspicions. A salvage check reveals if a car has previously been sold on salvage auction sites. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common indicators that a car has been in an accident.
1. Issues with the Paint Job
One of the most obvious signs that a car has been in an accident is issues with the paint job. Look for mismatched paint, as this may indicate that the car has had some body work done. Check for areas where the paint is chipping or peeling, as this may be a sign that the car was not properly repaired after a collision. In addition, pay attention to the overall condition of the paint. If the car looks like it has been repainted recently, it may be because the previous paint was damaged in a crash.
2. Cracks and Fillers
Another sign that a car has been in an accident is cracks and fillers. Look closely at the body of the car for any signs of cracking or unevenness. This may indicate that the car has been in a collision, and that the damage was not properly repaired. In addition, look for areas where there are signs of filler. Filler is often used to fill in dents and scratches, and while it can be effective at hiding damage, it’s not a long-term solution.
3. Mismatched Parts
If a car has been in an accident, it’s possible that some of the parts may have been replaced. Look for parts that don’t match the rest of the car. For example, if the bumper is a different color than the rest of the car, this may indicate that it has been replaced. In addition, check for any parts that look like they are not original to the car. If a car has been in a collision, it’s possible that some of the parts may have been replaced with lower-quality parts that don’t fit the car as well. Should you find these types of issues, the vehicle is likely to be recorded under one of four write off categories A, B, S or N. Each marker highlights the extend of damage and repair with a Cat A being severe structural damage and Cat N being most cosmetic repairs.
4. Uneven Tire Wear and Poor Tracking
If a car has been in an accident, it’s possible that the alignment may have been thrown off. This can result in uneven tire wear and poor tracking. Look closely at the tires and check for any signs of uneven wear. If the tires are worn on one side more than the other, this may indicate that the car has been in a collision. In addition, pay attention to how the car drives. If it pulls to one side or the other, this may also be a sign that the alignment is off.
5. Welding Marks
If a car has been in a collision and has had body work done, it’s possible that there will be welding marks on the body of the car. Look closely at the body of the car for any signs of welding marks. These marks may indicate that the car has been in a collision and that the body was repaired using welding.
Online Checks and Confirmation
While not all cars that have been in accidents are declared total loss, some cars will go back onto the market as unrecorded. A salvage check will reveal if the car has gone through auction, this can give you peace of mind and help you make an informed decision about whether or not to buy a particular car.
In addition to a salvage check, you can also use online resources to check for any accidents that a car may have been in. Companies allow you to enter a car’s VIN number and see its car history, this can give you a good idea of whether or not a car has been in an accident.
Conclusion
When buying a used car, it’s important to know how to spot the signs of a previous accident. Look for issues with the paint job, cracks and fillers, mismatched parts, uneven tire wear and poor tracking, and welding marks. Conduct a history check to confirm your suspicions. By taking these steps, you can avoid buying a car that has been in a serious accident and make a more informed purchase. Remember, a car that has been in an accident may not necessarily be a bad car, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you make a purchase.
