Why is it when you've had a car accident the car feels different when you get it back?

NONAME

It looks like other answers here are along the same line of thinking as mine.

The frame Chassis may have been bent, then not properly aligned at the repair shop. Also the wheel alignment issues, possible damage to the shocks and struts, suspension, and steering system.

An easy way to find out is to have a friend follow you down the road for a drive. Look for oddities like the back and front wheels not tracking in line with each other. The back wheels when viewed directly from behind, you should not see the front wheels. If the car looks like a crab going sideways down the road, then you still have alignment problems.

The insurance company uses the cheapest possible repair shop, and after market cheap and sub standard parts. This is typical with them to save money on claims. They could care less about the customer in most cases.

If you have a good insurance company, don't wait long, call the claims department and tell them the car still isn't right after the repair. If you are dealing with another person's insurance company, call your own and tell them about the problem and ask for their help. Most will do so, especially if another company is liable for the repair damages.

fatrab

Passing the MOT is nothing to do with chassis alignment!

If the car had to be put on a jig and realigned the chances are it will never feel the same. There could also be slight suspension damage that has been missed by the repairers. If the car feels unsafe or drasticly different than it did before the accident I'd get it back to the repairer asap.

You'll become more at ease passing the scene with time

SEC ONE

Its called the psychological effect, had it myself, until i got rid of that car and got a new one, the old car became an extension of the accident so felt it was jinxed. Its all psychological which takes time to adjust to.

Jay P

You don't mention what was actually damaged but it sounds like the repair was either shoddy or something was missed. If the repair was done correctly, the car should still feel the same as it did before ( assuming the frame was not damaged. Once the unibody frame is bent, it is tough to bend back into original shape and align all the suspension components completely ).

As for your second question, you still remember the mishap so you tense up when driving past the same area.

Frank

After an accident usually a car isn't the same. A way to put it is that an accident ages a car about 5 yrs (60,000 miles?), not literally but... Usually it lowers the value of the car too, because dealers know that after an accident...putting it back together isn't always done correctly/up to prime.

carmelia.marcella

If the car feels dramatically different or you feel unsafe in it, then take it to a reputable garage for a standard check over - don't just go for the nearest or cheapest garage though - ask around and go on people's personal recommendations.

In a slightly different case (but one that taught me a valuable lesson about using personal recommendations when choosing a garage), I'd taken my car to a garage I had used the previous year for an MOT and I trusted them, but when I went to collect my car, they quoted me Â£1,400 worth of work and advised me heavily to scrap the car - I couldn't understand it as they passed it with flying colours the previous year and I take care of my car (I work at Halfords) and my intuition was telling me to get a second opinion, so I asked around and was recommended to another garage (not as close or as well-known) and although I was a bit dubious I took my car in and the did a totally free "health-check" on it for me - in the end, the car only cost me Â£455 and feels absolutely brand new!
What I'm trying to say is trust your own intuition - you're used to driving that car and it shouldn't feel so drastically different and also, many honest and reputable garages offer free or cheap "health-checks" and it really does put your mind at rest!
Good luck!

UCANTCME

This is common for both the car as well as with you....first make sure that the vehicles alignment is correct and the place that did the work for can recheck this for you....as for the chills, you will get over this in time.drive safe.

Catherine Allen

just change it or buy another one easy way that i would do

Gaynor

Yes i def agree with you and i dont know what they do but its not the same is it, this has happened every time my car has been in for repair, dont know why but you are right

sponge

it's all in your mind, get another car,,

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: