Once that’s taken care you move onto your car, that now has some parts rearranged like a Salvador Dali painting. With the damage like it is, is the car drivable? More importantly, is it safe to drive your damaged car?
If your car has been involved in a collision, it’s common to ask, “Can I drive my car after an accident?” That’s a decision that has to be made on a case-by-case basis because every accident is different.
The impact angle in the accident changes which parts are damaged. The difference between a front end collision and a rear end collision is dramatic. The same force of impact can mean your car is not drivable in a frontal accident, while from the rear your car may be badly damaged but operational. It’s a call you’ll have to make, but we have some tips to help you make that decision.
Can you still pop the hood? Take a look at all your fluid levels and check underneath your car for puddles. If you have engine oil, transmission fluid, radiator coolant, gasoline, or any other fluid running from your car, don’t take a chance on driving it. Is the car drivable? Maybe. But fluids leaking can mean a danger of an engine fire or that extensive mechanical damage will result down the road. It’s best not to take the chance.
From basically any angle, a car collision will smash at least a couple lights. Does that mean the car is undrivable? Possibly. If both headlights are smashed or both brake lights have been destroyed and don’t light up, you probably shouldn’t take to the road with your damaged car. If you have at least one headlight and one taillight working, you could probably take the chance on a short trip – preferably straight home or to the repair shop.
If you try driving your smashed car and it’s hard to control because it’s pulling to one side, stop driving it. That’s an indication there is either a steering or suspension part that’s broken or bent, and you’re putting everyone on the road in danger by driving your car still.
You could drive a car with a broken side window or rear windshield. It’s going to be breezy and uncomfortable, but it’s doable. But if the windshield is cracked or broken, don’t do it! Your car is not drivable with a windshield that is not intact. It’s a structural part that not only protects you from bugs and debris while you drive, but it supports the roof in a collision or rollover. Your car’s safety is compromised.
“How safe is my car with the airbags deployed?” It should be a no-brainer. If your airbags have deployed, it’s a layer of protection that no longer exists. Don’t keep driving. Plus, the loose, hanging airbag from the steering wheel is guaranteed to get in your way when you turn.
In the accident, did you pop a tire or bend a rim? While it’s tempting to put the spare tire on and keep driving, you should get it checked out first. That kind of significant impact could mean there’s more damage hidden that could be a serious safety concern.
Look, it’s up to you. If you’ve been in an accident and want to chance driving your crashed car, it’s your decision to make. However, if you get in another accident with the same vehicle, your safety could be compromised and your insurance provider could come after you with a liability suit. Looking for another option than to keep driving your totaled car? Check out CarBrain. We buy cars in any condition – flooded cars, cars with mechanical issues, rusty vehicles, high-mileage cars, and even cars that have been in an accident.
All you need to do is request an online offer at the CarBrain website. Thanks to our proprietary software, you’ll receive a quote for your less-than-perfect car in around 90 seconds, but there’s no obligation. If the offer looks good to you, just accept it and you’ll be paid within a few days. We’ll take care of the title transfer and the fees, and we won’t pick up your vehicle until you’ve been paid.
There’s no reason to wait. Get an offer from CarBrain and sell your smashed-up car today.