4 Types of Undercarriage Damage You Shouldn't Ignore

Tony Mers • January 16, 2024

Car owners may not realize it, but a vehicle's undercarriage is the lifeblood of its overall health and condition. Many things can cause damage to this essential part of your automobile, and some types of damage can grow significantly worse if left unchecked. Today, we'll explore four types of undercarriage damage you shouldn't ignore, helping you keep your car in tip-top shape.

1. Rust and Corrosion

Rust and corrosion are the number one enemies of your vehicle's undercarriage. The metal components beneath your car are especially prone to rust because of their constant exposure to water, dirt, and road chemicals. If left unchecked, rust can cause serious structural issues and compromise the safety of your vehicle.

To prevent rust from wreaking havoc, regularly inspect your undercarriage for signs of rust or corrosion and address the issue promptly. Using a rust converter or rust prevention coating on vulnerable areas can also help to prolong the life of your vehicle.

2. Damage to Exhaust or Muffler System

The exhaust system and muffler are essential components in maintaining your car's performance and reducing noise pollution. It's not uncommon for these components to suffer damage from debris, road obstructions, or collisions. If you notice any unusual loud noises, poor fuel economy, or decreased acceleration performance, you may have a damaged exhaust system or muffler.

3. Leaking Fluids

One common type of undercarriage damage that you shouldn’t ignore is leaking fluids. In fact, it’s a good idea not to ignore leaks no matter where they are. Leaks are a clear indication that something is not quite right with your vehicle. The undercarriage houses multiple components such as brake lines, transmission, and coolant system, which all utilize fluids that could leak and lead to further damage.

If you see any fluid pooling under your car or notice unusual smells while driving, it's important to have it addressed promptly. Leaking fluids can cause your vehicle's engine to overheat or lead to a brake system failure. Regularly checking your fluid levels and inspecting your undercarriage for leaks can help you catch these issues before they become too serious.

4. Suspension System Damage

Your suspension system is responsible for providing a smooth and stable ride. Damage to the suspension can result from driving over potholes, debris, or simply from wear and tear over time. Symptoms of a damaged suspension system may include difficulty steering, a rough ride, and excessive bouncing after hitting a bump or pothole.

Ignoring a damaged suspension system can result in poor ride quality and, even worse, a dangerous lack of control. Be sure to have any suspension issues inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

Keeping your vehicle in prime condition requires commitment and vigilance, particularly when it comes to undercarriage damage. If you notice any of the issues discussed above, don't delay in getting them addressed. Remember, at River North Collision Repair, we specialize in auto collision repair in Chicago and are equipped to fix any undercarriage problems you might have. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get your car back to looking and running its best!

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It is an awful feeling when you walk out to your car after a long day and see a small dent on your passenger door. While it may appear to be just a cosmetic issue, you should still get it fixed, because ignoring small dents can lead to bigger problems for your vehicle. Don’t let small dents on your car go untreated; let's talk about why you need to tackle these issues ASAP. Rust Loves Chicago Winters We all know the drill here in the Windy City. We have beautiful summers, sure, but we also pay the price with brutal winters. And what comes with winter? Salt. Tons of it. Your car’s paint job acts as a suit of armor protecting the metal body underneath. Even a minor dent often comes with microscopic cracks in the paint—sometimes too small to see with the naked eye. Once that seal is broken, moisture and road salt sneak in. They settle against the bare metal and start a chemical party you definitely don’t want to host. Oxidation begins immediately. By the time you notice bubbling paint or that tell-tale orange stain a few months later, the rust has already been eating away at your door panel from the inside out. Resale Value Takes a Nosedive For many people, maintaining their car is a valuable part of purchasing a new vehicle. When that day comes, curb appeal is everything. Used car buyers (and dealership appraisers) will judge your car by its exterior appearance. If they see a vehicle riddled with door dings, bumper scrapes, and ignored scratches, they see a car that wasn't cared for. They assume that if you didn't care enough to fix the outside, you probably didn't care about the rest of it either. It lowers the perceived value instantly. Maintaining your car’s body and its paint is an investment in your future trade-in value. Paint Damage Spreads Like a Virus When a dent or scrape compromises the integrity of the paint, the surrounding paint loses its grip. High-pressure car washes, wind, and temperature fluctuations cause the paint to flake away from the initial injury site. A scratch the size of a quarter can grow into a patch the size of a softball over a couple of seasons. It’s Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think Here is the good news: fixing these things early is surprisingly affordable. Modern body shop technology is amazing. For many small dings where the paint isn't cracked, we can use techniques that massage the metal back into place without spraying a drop of paint. River North Collision Repair offers paintless dent repair in Chicago to fix minor dents. Regardless of what nicked your door, we can help remove the dents and maintain a seamless look for your vehicle. Don’t Wait for Problems Don't let minor dents turn into a big nightmare. Save your future self the headache (and the cash). Swing by River North Collision Repair for your quick and easy repairs. Because driving a car you’re proud of? That’s a feeling you can’t put a price on.