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Why Cosmetic Damage is More Harmful to Your Car Than You Think

Does your car have a slight scratch or minor dent? Unless you keep your vehicle wrapped in bubble wrap and stored in your garage 24/7, it’s going to pick up a little superficial damage. While minor dents and scratches may not seem like a big deal at the time, they can spell serious consequences later if you don’t take care of them fast.

So, if you’re wondering, “should I fix cosmetic damage?” Allow us to convince you. Here’s everything you need to know about how a little cosmetic damage can lead to big trouble.

Safety Concerns

Is bumper damage bad? Say you got into a small fender bender. While your car seems untouched, there are a few dents in your bumper. Even though a dented bumper may not seem like a big deal at the time — after all, the damage could have been much worse — if you ever get into another minor accident, that damage could spell disaster.

Bumpers serve a purpose. They help your car absorb any impacts so that every minor fender bender doesn’t put your vehicle at risk of becoming a total loss. If the integrity of your bumper is compromised by a few dents, it may not be able to absorb the blow as effectively.

Bumpers aside, a minor chip in your windshield may also seem like minor superficial damage. But any small crack or chip could weaken your windshield and cause it to shatter and the slightest impact.

The Rust Problem

When it comes to superficial issues like dents and scratches, the question shouldn’t be “is cosmetic damage bad?” but rather, “are the consequences of cosmetic damage bad?”

A small scratch is not a big deal. But, if the scratch got through the paint and primer on your car, that could leave it vulnerable to rust and corrosion, which could cause much more severe damage if left unchecked.

Your car’s paint isn’t just there to make it look good — it serves a critical purpose.

The paint and primer form a barrier that protects your car from harmful UV rays and water damage. So, if a minor scratch or dent compromises that boundary, your vehicle could be at risk.

Getting Your Money’s Worth

If you think there could ever be a chance that you may try to sell your car, not fixing minor superficial damage now could come back to bite you big time.

Every scratch, ding, and dent on your vehicle — no matter how slight — could knock a pretty significant chunk of change off your car’s resale value. So, if you want to make a profit selling off your old car, you need to get the superficial damage taken care of asap.

How to Fix Cosmetic Damage

Next time you find yourself asking, “do I need to fix cosmetic damage?” Keep in mind that by taking care of dents and scratches, you’re protecting your vehicle from much more severe damage down the line.

Does your car have some minor cosmetic damage you want to get fixed? If you’re in Pottstown, Limerick, or Royersford, PA, we’ve got you covered. Contact us for more information about our services or to schedule an appointment.

What Pennsylvania Residents Should Do if They Get in a Car Accident

Every year, 4.4 million people are injured in car crashes, so much so that they need medical attention.

You might think that just because you’re a good driver, you’ll be safe from these injuries. But the fact is, other people are irresponsible on the road and things out of your control can happen.

So what do you need to do in case you’re involved in a car accident in Pennsylvania? Read on to find out.

Check for Injuries

Right after impact, you might be dazed and thinking, “what should I do after I get in an accident?”

The very first thing you need to do is check that everyone’s alright. If not, dial 911. You should also call the police to get an official report.

Move off the Road

Next up in the steps to take after an accident is moving the vehicles off the road if possible. If not, don’t worry about it.

Either way, put down flares or reflective emergency triangles so others on the road won’t crash into you.

Get Information

Speak with all drivers involved and get their information. You’ll want their:

  • Full names
  • Phone numbers
  • Insurance information
  • License plate numbers
  • VIN numbers

Take as many photos of each car and all the damages as well. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information too.

When the police arrive, ask for a copy of their report. Or at least ask how to get a copy afterward.

Remember not to admit guilt, even if the accident is clearly your fault. You don’t want to ruin your chances of a successful insurance claim.

Let Your Insurance Company Know

If you’ve decided to go ahead with filing a claim, you’ll want to let your insurance company know about the accident. They can then advise you further on what to do.

See a Doctor

Even if you feel ok, you should always see a doctor after a car accident. The symptoms from some injuries (like whiplash) can take up to 24 hours or a few days to appear.

So if you see a doctor ASAP, they can determine if you have any injuries right away. This can help immensely if you file a claim.

Get Your Car Repaired

The next steps after an accident is cleared are to research auto shops and get your car repaired. If the accident was bad enough, some shops even pick up the vehicle for you.

They’ll inspect it and give you an estimate. If you agree to it, your car is then taken to be fixed. Some shops will arrange a rental car for you so you still have a reliable mode of transportation.

Stay Safe if You Have a Car Accident

If you get into a car accident in the future, you now know what to do. While it’s easier than done, try to remember to remain calm, and gather as much information as you can. That way, you’ll have everything you need when filing an insurance claim.

Now that you know what to do after a car accident in Pennsylvania, get an estimate from us. We can help fix your vehicle so you stay safe on the road.