In most cases, damage from an auto collision doesn’t stop you from safely driving your car on the road (i.e. dented or creased hood). As a result, drivers often postpone collision repair for different reasons. Maybe they are too busy and can’t leave their vehicle in a shop for a certain period of time, or they don’t have insurance and cannot afford the cost of repair.

Regardless of the situation, it’s usually not a good idea to delay collision repair. Here’s why you need to have your car fixed immediately:

1. Increase in Damages

It’s very easy for small car damages to domino. When one part of the vehicle is damaged, it leaves the surrounding areas weaker and more likely to break in the future.

Take the windshield as an example. Even the most diminutive chip or crack in a windshield can spread quickly and affect the entire glass. A significantly cracked windshield makes it challenging to see and drive safely.

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t let this happen to you. If you see a tiny crack on the glass, a complete replacement might be required for your safety and that of the other drivers you’re sharing the road with.

2. Rusting Metal

Rusting metal - collision repairA few scratches on your car may not hurt but did you know that auto paint actually has more than one function, besides aesthetics?

Car paint is made with substances that protect the metal body of your car from elements that may produce corrosion or rust. If you leave paint scratches unfixed, it may speed up the process of corrosion. That’s why it’s important to set an appointment with your trusted collision repair shop the soonest you can.

Read more about rust and auto body repair here!

3. Change in Performance

Are your tires damaged? If yes, don’t expect they can get you from point A to B much longer. A tire is one of the most important features of a vehicle–have it replaced or inflated as necessary. If you’re not sure whether a repair or replacement is needed, have it checked by a collision repair expert right away.

If the air pressure in your tires is below the recommended amount, that will reduce the fuel efficiency of your car. Additionally, it will be more difficult to control the vehicle once its tires are worn, poorly inflated, or damaged. Schedule an appointment with your trusted auto body repair expert if you notice anything wrong with your tires.

4. Longer Repair Time

If you have been delaying dent repairs because you can’t go about your day without a car, it makes no sense to wait. The problem will only get worse in time, which means repairs will take so much longer. The sooner you take action, the less work will be required, and the sooner you can get your car back.

It’s easy to put off auto body repair after a fender bender. Unfortunately, not everyone realizes that delaying collision repair comes with a lot of consequences. Although it may be tempting to neglect these kinds of repair services, tackling them right away will save you a lot of money and plenty of headaches in the long run.