Deer season typically occurs during fall, from October to December. The risk of hitting a deer or other wildlife increases since it gets dark much earlier during this season. At Rydell Auto Group, we understand that such an accident can cause unseen and long-term damage to your car, especially when you fail to service the vehicle properly. In this post, we explain some of the damage that may occur if you have an accident involving a deer while driving in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Shattered and Cracked Lighting System
Headlights and fog lights illuminate the road at night and improve your view in low visibility. There is a significant chance of damaging both of these lighting systems after a front-end collision. You may have to replace the housing covers and bulbs depending on the car’s lights and the extent of the damage. Auto manufacturers sometimes install fog lights on the bumper, which is an area highly likely to get damaged.
Although a cracked headlight may still work, we recommend installing a new one immediately to prevent burning out the bulb. Moisture can also seep into the headlight through the cracks, causing a short circuit. Our mechanics can replace your broken headlights with Halogen, Xenon, or LED bulbs.
Broken or Cracked Bumpers
A vehicle’s bumper is a metal bar that offers structural support for absorbing the impact from minor fender-benders. The bumper and its cover, often made of fiberglass or plastic, are both likely to sustain damage after a collision. Bumper covers use fasteners and are straightforward to replace, but you will need professional help to replace the bumper. Expect to replace other front-end accessories like brush guards or bull bars if you have a truck.
Once you bring your car to our mechanics, they will perform such repairs as:
- Fixing shallow scratches that do not reach the paint through buffing.
- Replacing the entire bumper if the cracks are several inches long.
- Patching the bumper cover where there is no underlying damage to the metal structure.
Our experts remove the bumper cover carefully, without damaging the bodywork in the surrounding areas. They then stabilize the bumpers before patching and sanding to make them good as new. Our auto body repair shop, North Dakota, offers professional paint services to match your bumper’s color to the body.
Broken or Cracked Windshields
A deer may bounce off the road and hit your windshield. When this happens the windshield breaks or cracks, limiting your view of the road ahead. Windshields are safety devices acting as barriers between the occupants of a vehicle and the objects outside. When they break even a tiny stone, bird, or insect can cause severe damage if you are driving at high speeds.
Before scheduling repairs, vacuum all small glass fragments inside the car to prevent further damage to the upholstery. Whether the windshield requires fixing or replacing, prepare the area by cleaning around the window seal and taping all cracks to prevent snow or water leaks
Dented or Bent Hood
Vehicle hoods are made from different types of durable materials, such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, aluminum, and steel. The hood serves a much more critical purpose than just enhancing the car’s aesthetics; it also protects the engine and other parts under the hood from the elements. When you hit a deer the impact may compromise the integrity of the hood, meaning the damage can reach the engine bay.
Fix dented hoods immediately to avoid pooling during rain and snow, as this causes corrosion and other mechanical problems. Our mechanics can repair minor dents but you may need a new hood if the bend is excessive.
Underhood and Transmission Damage
Of all the damages after a deer collision, the most dangerous and costly to fix is damage under the hood. For example, a puncture to the radiator often results in a coolant leak. This can damage the entire engine if the issue is not addressed in a timely manner. After a deer versus car collision, perform a visual inspection for fluid leakage and wait for a towing company if a leak is evident.
Your vehicle’s transmission is located under the hood, so any damage to it may be unseen after an accident. The services needed for the transmission may include fluid change, flushing, rebuilding, or replacement.
Brake System Damage
You may damage the brakes in an attempt to stop abruptly, after seeing a deer appear on the road. Bring your vehicle to our auto shop after hard braking and we will check to see whether the system still functions correctly.
Some common signs of a damaged brake system include:
- The brake pedal sinking into the floor, due to a fluid leak.
- Shaking or wobbling due to warped rotors.
- Squeaking or squealing noises due to cracked pads.
- The car pulling sideways due to faulty calipers.
- The illumination of the ABS warning light.
Schedule an appointment with our repair shop in Grand Forks, North Dakota, for a checkup if your vehicle shows any of these signs. Delaying a necessary brake repair is risky for you and your passengers.
Shock Absorbers and Struts Damage
Shock absorbers keep your vehicle steady when driving, while struts provide structural support by carrying the vehicle’s weight and maintaining the steering system and wheel alignment. You may damage these components when you sharply swerve to avoid hitting a deer.
Faulty shocks and struts can compromise the following:
- Mechanical and structural components.
- Control on rugged terrain and bumps.
- Handling capability and comfort.
- Braking distance.
- Tire wear.
Suspension systems are complex and easily impaired, making your car unsafe to drive.
Contact Rydell Auto Group for Auto Repairs
After you hit a deer, it would be best to call your insurance provider first. The chances are that your package may cover the repair of some of the damaged components. Bring your car to our dealership for repairs after taking photos of the accident scene and reporting to the authorities. The highly-trained technicians at Rydell Auto Group can conduct a multi-inspection to ascertain the extent of the damage and perform the needed repairs. Contact us today or visit us at Grand Forks, North Dakota, for auto repairs and other services.
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