After a car accident, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and scrambling to get your vehicle fixed as soon as possible. It’s easy to want only the bare minimum repairs just so that the car is safe for the road – but this isn’t always in your best interest. Skipping important safety inspections after a collision can put you at risk of further minor or major accidents, costly repair bills, and even potential injury! Keep reading to learn why it’s so important not to skip safety inspections following an auto collision.
Most vehicle manufacturers require “safety inspections” as a part of their instructions following any collision. Safety inspections are a list of instructions on how to properly inspect and confirm that critical safety systems are intact, undamaged, and operating as intended. Systems that manufacturers often require safety checks to be completed on include: the overall safety restraint system (SRS), seatbelts and pretensioners, seatbelt mounting areas, and a visual or diagnostic inspection of the airbags. Additionally, the instructions may include removing and measuring the steering column (which collapses in a collision in order to protect the driver) to confirm that it is undamaged, and not collapsed as a result of the collision.
These safety inspections are not to be skipped, as they ensure that the vehicle is safe for occupants and able to properly protect them in the event of an additional collision. Your local dealership or a qualified technician should have a thorough understanding of the specific inspection instructions given by each automaker. It’s important to follow these instructions because any changes made from the manufacturer’s instructions can influence the vehicle’s ability to protect its occupants in a crash, potentially increasing the risk of injury.
It’s also important to note that some safety systems are not visible and require special tools and specific procedures for inspection before being released back on the road. It is therefore essential that any repairs made following a collision are inspected and certified by a qualified technician.
If your repair facility is communicating with you about these inspections, it is likely because they are following the documented steps in the OEM repair manual. If they are receiving pushback on these tasks from the bill-payer (aka your insurance), they will likely include you as the vehicle owner in the conversation. It is important to understand that it is your right, as the vehicle owner, to authorize the repairs with your repair facility.
At the end of the day, safety inspections after a collision should not be skipped. They are essential in order to ensure that the vehicle is safe for occupants and able to properly protect them in case of an additional collision. Make sure to follow all instructions given by your local dealership or a qualified technician so that any changes made do not jeopardize occupant safety. By doing this, you will help ensure the safety of your passengers and others on the road. Thanks for keeping up with these important inspections!
Let Liberty Collision get you back on the road in Sparks, Nevada!
If you are looking for a collision repair shop you can trust in the Reno and Sparks, Nevada area, call the professional mechanics at Liberty Collision at (775) 329-3368. Our professional mechanics are committed to exceeding your expectations and getting you safely back on the road after a collision.
