The Types of Car Damage

Steph Terry • September 25, 2023

The Types of Car Damage

Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving behind a trail of damage. From minor scrapes to major structural issues, understanding the types of car damage is essential for both car owners and drivers.

Whether it's a minor fender bender or a severe collision, knowing about these damages can help you find the best collision center. From exterior to structural damages, we'll delve into the various types of car damage that can stem from an accident.

1. Exterior Damage

One of the most common types of car damage is exterior deterioration (impairments to the vehicle’s outer shell). Surface-level dents, scratches, and paint chips are examples of minor exterior damage, often caused by low-speed collisions or minor impacts.

While these issues may seem purely cosmetic, they can still affect the overall appearance and value of your car. On the other hand, severe accidents can result in crumpled panels, broken lights, and even shattered windows. This damage can impact your vehicle’s aesthetics while compromising its safety and functionality.

2. Structural Damage

Beyond the surface, car accidents can damage the vehicle's structure and frame. This scenario is particularly concerning, as structural damage isn’t often visible to the naked eye. This type of damage can compromise the car’s structural integrity, inhibiting its alignment, handling, and overall stability. Even seemingly minor accidents can result in bent frames or misaligned components, which can have long-term implications for your car's performance and safety.

3. Mechanical Damage

Car accidents can also cause mechanical damage, affecting the various systems that keep your vehicle running smoothly. From the engine and transmission to the suspension and brakes, a collision’s impact can disrupt many of these critical components.

Furthermore, damaged components could result in fluid leaks, engine misfires, braking responsiveness, and steering issues. Ignoring mechanical damage can lead to further complications down the road, impacting both the safety and reliability of your vehicle.

4. Airbag Deployment and Safety Systems

Modern cars are equipped with advanced safety features, including airbags and sensors. When an accident occurs, these safety systems spring into action to reduce their passengers’ impact.

However, while these systems are essential for minimizing injuries, their deployment can also damage a car’s interior. Additionally, these airbags need to be replaced following their deployment, and sensors may need recalibration. That’s why working with a collision center to ensure that all safety systems are in shape after an accident is crucial.

5. Electrical System Damage

Car accidents can also impact your vehicle’s electrical systems, leading to a range of issues that may not be immediately apparent. The force of a collision can disrupt the wiring, connectors, and sensors that contribute to various functions, such as lights, air conditioning, and even essential controls. Malfunctions in the electrical system can result in flickering lights, unresponsive dashboard indicators, or problems with the entertainment and navigation systems.

Our Technicians can Address any Car Damage

Car damage such as exterior dents and internal mechanical issues can stem from a fender bender. Promptly recognizing and addressing these damages is key to ensuring your vehicle’s safety, reliability, and value. So, finding and arranging professional collision repairs is essential to getting you and your loved ones back on the road. Remember, even seemingly minor damage should not be overlooked, as it can have far-reaching implications for your safety and performance.

With an expert team like ours at Morrow Collision Center, your vehicle can be restored to its optimal condition. Our specialists can help you navigate any accident, coordinate any repairs, work with your insurance, and get back on the road. Contact us today to set up a repair and drop-off so you can get back to what you do best.

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What Factors Affect the Cost of Auto Collision Repairs?

February 27, 2025

When you're involved in a car accident, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: how much will it cost to repair my vehicle? The cost of collision repairs can vary significantly depending on multiple factors. At Morrow Collision Center, we believe in full transparency, so let’s take a closer look at what factors affect the cost of auto collision repairs. 1. The Extent of Damage One of the biggest factors affecting repair costs is the severity of the damage. Minor dents and scratches will cost significantly less than major structural damage . If essential components like the frame or suspension are affected, the repairs become more complex and expensive. 2. Type of Vehicle The make and model of your car play a big role in determining repair costs. Luxury and foreign cars often have specialized parts and materials that can be more expensive and timelier to replace. Additionally, newer models with advanced technology and sensors require specialized repair techniques, increasing labor costs. 3. Replacement Parts The choice between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket parts, or used OEM parts can impact the cost. OEM parts tend to be pricier but ensure a perfect fit , while aftermarket or used parts might be more affordable but may vary in quality and compatibility. Your insurance company may not cover the full price of NEW OEM parts, so be sure to check your coverage! 4. Labor Costs Labor charges differ from shop to shop and market area, and depend on the complexity of the repair. High-tech features, like adaptive cruise control or collision avoidance systems, require skilled technicians, which can raise the cost of labor. 5. Paint and Finish If your car requires a new paint job, the cost will depend on the quality of paint, the number of coats, and whether custom paint matching is necessary. Some finishes require more precision and may increase costs. There are many types of paint finishes such as metallic, pearl, gloss, matte, or flat coats. Be sure to do your research on which may suit your preferences and needs best. Morrow Collision Center is proud to offer the PPG MoonWalk® system , ensuring the highest level of finish and precision. This state-of-the-art paint mixing technology provides exact color matching and a smooth application, so whether you’ve had a minor fender-bender or a more significant collision, we’ll restore your vehicle to its pre-accident beauty with unmatched accuracy and efficiency. 6. Insurance Coverage Your insurance policy and deductible can significantly influence how much you pay out of pocket. Comprehensive and collision coverage can help reduce your expenses, but if you have a high deductible, you may still need to cover a portion of the repair bill. 7. Additional Repairs and Hidden Damage Sometimes, additional damage is discovered once repairs begin. Hidden damage behind panels or under the hood can lead to unexpected costs. A thorough inspection by a trusted collision repair center can help identify these potential expenses early on. Bring Your Car to Morrow Today & Get an Honest Estimate At Morrow Collision Center, we provide detailed estimates to help you understand the cost of your auto repairs. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure quality repairs, getting you back on the road safely and efficiently. Contact us or visit one of our locations today to get an estimate and let us take the stress out of collision repairs!

What is an Assured Performance Certified Collision Center?

January 27, 2025

When your vehicle needs a repair, you deserve more than just a quick fix—you deserve a thorough, high-quality repair that ensures your car is safe, reliable, and ready to hit the road with confidence. Morrow Collision Center is proud to be an Assured Performance Certified Collision Center, which means we meet some of the highest standards in the auto repair industry. But what exactly does it mean to be an Assured Performance Certified Collision Center? What Does It Mean to Be Assured Performance Certified? Assured Performance is a leading certification network that partners with leading automotive manufacturers to ensure that collision repair centers meet the highest standards of quality and safety. It’s not just a title—it’s a guarantee. Collision centers that earn the Assured Performance certification have proven they meet rigorous standards for training, equipment, and customer care, ensuring that every repair is high-quality. These standards are designed to ensure that repair shops have the necessary training, equipment, and tools to properly repair vehicles and keep up with the newest advanced safety features. Why Should You Choose a Certified Collision Center? 1. Factory-Approved Repair Standards Certified centers like Morrow Collision Center follow the same repair guidelines set by the manufacturers themselves. This means that every repair is done according to the specific requirements for your make and model. From advanced technologies like aluminum body repairs to the latest safety features, they ensure that everything is restored to factory standards. 2. Highly Trained Technicians All technicians who have completed specialized training programs are up to date on the latest industry techniques and repair methods. Their expertise ensures that the repair process is as efficient and accurate as possible, with no shortcuts taken. 3. Access to the Latest Equipment and Tools Automakers are continuously innovating, which means that the tools and equipment needed for modern vehicle repairs are constantly evolving. Certified collision shops invest in state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and OEM parts to handle even the most advanced repairs, giving your vehicle the best chance of recovery after a collision. 4. Comprehensive Safety and Quality Control Safety is always a priority, and Assured Performance certified collision centers prioritize the safety of both you and your vehicle. Every repair is subject to comprehensive quality control checks, ensuring that every aspect of the repair meets strict safety and quality standards. Whether it's replacing airbags, aligning crumple zones, or recalibrating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) , you can trust that your car will be roadworthy and safe. 5. Warranty on Repairs Assured Performance centers offer a warranty on their work, which provides you with peace of mind knowing that your vehicle’s repairs are guaranteed for a specified period. If any issues arise from the repairs, you can count on them to make it right. Why Does Certification Matter to You? At Morrow Collision Center, earning certifications like Assured Performance is our way of showing you that we are serious about providing top-tier service. As the owner of Morrow Collision Center , Dan Morrow shares this commitment: "At our body shop, earning certifications means so much more than just a title. It’s our promise to you that your vehicle will be repaired with care, precision, and the highest safety standards to protect you and your loved ones. By staying up to date with the latest tools and techniques, we ensure every repair is done right, giving you peace of mind when you’re back on the road." This promise is the foundation of our work. When your vehicle is repaired by a certified center like Morrow Collision Center, you can rest assured that your car’s safety features. are properly restored, and your vehicle will perform just like it did before the accident. The Morrow Collision Center Difference – Come to Morrow Today! In addition to our Assured Performance certification, we are proud to be a part of multiple other collision repair networks . Each of these certifications holds us to the highest standards in the industry, ensuring that we continue to provide exceptional repairs for every customer, every time. Contact us today if you’re looking for a collision center that you can trust. Our team of experts is here to help you get back on the road with confidence knowing your vehicle has been repaired with the utmost care and precision.