Accidents come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe it was a low-speed rear-end in a parking lot. Maybe someone bumped you at a stoplight. Or maybe you hit a patch of ice and slid into a curb. Whatever the case, the car doesn’t look too bad—so you figure there’s no need for a repair shop, right?
At OHS Body Shop, we hear this all the time from Montana drivers. And while we totally understand not wanting to overreact, we’ve also seen what can happen when small issues go undetected. The truth is, some of the most costly or dangerous damage is the kind you can’t see—until it starts affecting your ride, your tires, or your safety.
So how do you know when to bring your vehicle in for a full post-collision inspection? Here are the top warning signs we look for—and the ones you should never ignore.
1. Your Steering Feels Off
If your steering wheel feels crooked, stiff, or unusually loose after a collision—even a minor one—that’s a red flag. It could mean your vehicle’s alignment is off or that something in the steering or suspension system got knocked out of place.
Modern vehicles are designed with precise geometry. A bent tie rod or shifted control arm can cause your steering to behave strangely and even compromise your control at higher speeds. You may not notice it driving around town, but once you hit the highway, it becomes clear something’s not right.
2. Your Car Pulls to One Side
If your car starts drifting or pulling to one side when you’re trying to drive straight, there’s a good chance the wheels aren’t aligned properly. That can happen after even a small bump or curb strike. Not only is this annoying, but it causes uneven tire wear, lower fuel efficiency, and added stress on your suspension.
At OHS Body Shop, we can perform a computerized alignment check that compares your vehicle’s current specs to factory settings. If anything’s out of line, we fix it—so your car drives straight, smooth, and safe.
3. You Hear Strange Noises
Clicks, clunks, creaks, and rattles—these noises are your car trying to tell you something. If you start hearing anything out of the ordinary after an accident, it’s worth getting it checked out. Loose or damaged components in the suspension, frame, or undercarriage can shift while driving and make all sorts of new sounds.
Sometimes these noises come and go depending on the speed or road surface. But don’t ignore them. What sounds small now can turn into something big and expensive down the road.
4. Warning Lights Appear on the Dashboard
After a collision, your dashboard might start lighting up like a Christmas tree. Airbag light? ABS warning? Lane assist malfunction? These warning lights often show up when sensors are damaged or knocked out of calibration.
Today’s vehicles are packed with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and even a light bump can affect the cameras or radar modules used by features like forward collision warning or lane keep assist. At our shop, we have the tools to scan your system for stored codes and recalibrate sensors so everything works exactly as it should.
5. Your Bumper Looks Fine… But Isn’t
Bumpers are designed to absorb impact—but what’s behind the plastic shell matters even more. We often find that while the bumper cover itself looks okay, the internal energy absorbers or mounting brackets are cracked, crumpled, or broken. That means the next time your bumper takes a hit, it won’t do its job.
We always remove the bumper to inspect what’s underneath. If something needs replacing, we’ll find it—before it puts you or your passengers at risk.
6. Gaps or Misaligned Panels
Take a close look at the lines around your doors, hood, trunk, and fenders. Do the gaps look even? Is one side tighter than the other? Do the panels look like they sit flush?
Misaligned panels are often a subtle clue that the frame or mounting points have shifted. Even if you don’t feel anything while driving, that shift can cause squeaks, leaks, or difficulty opening and closing doors. It’s also a sign that your vehicle didn’t absorb the impact evenly—something we want to check for deeper damage.
7. Fluid Leaks or Smells
If you notice oil spots, coolant puddles, or strange smells after an accident, don’t wait. A cracked hose, bent radiator support, or damaged transmission line can leak slowly at first, then fail completely at the worst time.
We always do a full underbody inspection to check for leaks and make sure all fluid systems are sealed and safe. It’s a quick step that can save you thousands in engine or transmission repairs.
8. Tire Wear Changes Suddenly
Keep an eye on your tires. If one seems to be wearing out faster than the others after a crash, it’s a sign that your alignment or suspension geometry is off. You might not feel it while driving, but the tires never lie.
A full inspection includes tire tread checks, suspension diagnostics, and measurements that help us catch these issues early. Replacing one tire is one thing—but replacing four because of hidden damage? That’s a cost you can avoid.
Why It Matters in Montana
Montana’s roads can be rough—even on a good day. Potholes, gravel, snowbanks, and wildlife all increase the odds of minor accidents. That’s why we recommend inspections even after “no big deal” bumps. The earlier we catch hidden damage, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix.
And because many of our customers drive long distances or rely on their vehicles for outdoor work and recreation, we know that reliability matters. Safety matters. That’s what our inspections are all about.
Final Word: Accidents are never convenient—but with the right inspection, the aftermath doesn’t have to be a guessing game. At OHS Body Shop, we look beyond the surface to make sure your vehicle is truly safe, sound, and ready for the road. If you’ve had any kind of collision—even a minor one—bring your car in for a full check. You’ll leave with peace of mind and a car that’s as good as new.
