Assessing and Repairing Vehicle Damage from Deer Collisions: From Damage Assessment to Safe Reinstatement on Roadways
**Unseen Damage from Deer Strikes: A Safety Concern for Montana Drivers**
Hitting a deer can cause more than just visible dents and bumper damage. These hidden issues can compromise safety and lead to more expensive repairs later.
### Common Hidden Damages from Deer Strikes
The force of impact may bend or crack parts of the vehicle's frame or unibody, which are not immediately apparent. Suspension components can also be jarred or damaged, affecting vehicle handling and safety. Radiators and cooling systems may be cracked or punctured, leading to overheating if undetected. Airbag sensors may be affected without triggering airbags, compromising future airbag deployment.
Hidden cracks or breaks in headlights, fog lights, or electrical wiring can cause intermittent lighting failures or electrical issues. Impact with a deer or the subsequent collision with road debris can harm the undercarriage or exhaust system. Alignment issues can also occur, leading to uneven tire wear and handling problems.
### Detecting Hidden Damages
A detailed inspection by an experienced mechanic or collision repair specialist is crucial. They can lift the vehicle and examine undercarriage, frame, and suspension components. Diagnostic scanning can check airbag sensors, electrical systems, and engine management for faults. Pressure testing cooling and fuel systems can detect leaks invisible to the naked eye. An alignment check ensures the wheels are properly aligned and the steering system is functioning correctly. A test drive can evaluate any handling abnormalities or unusual noises indicating suspension or frame damage.
### Repairing Hidden Damages
Frame or structural repairs may involve straightening bent frames or replacing damaged structural components. Suspension and wheel alignment repairs are necessary to replace broken parts and recalibrate the suspension system. Cooling system repairs fix or replace cracked radiators, hoses, or fans. Electrical system repairs repair or replace damaged wiring and sensors. Replacement of impacted body parts such as bumpers, headlights, and panels is often necessary. Recalibration of sensors and systems ensures all safety systems, including airbags, are fully functional. Paint and finish work restore the vehicle's appearance after structural and mechanical repairs.
### OHS Body Shop's Expertise in Deer Strike Repairs
OHS Body Shop, serving the Kalispell area for years, specialises in thorough inspections and expert repairs for Montana drivers dealing with wildlife collisions. Their state-of-the-art diagnostic tools help detect damage that is not visible to the naked eye. OHS Body Shop uses OEM parts when replacements are needed to preserve the original quality and value of the car. They offer ADAS sensor recalibration as part of their comprehensive repair service.
In Montana, deer strikes are common, particularly during the fall season at dawn and dusk. OHS Body Shop works with insurance companies to simplify the claims process and keep the driver informed. Their repair plan is tailored to each vehicle's needs, including frame straightening, windshield replacement, and sensor recalibration.
Deer strikes often occur at higher speeds, causing significant damage to the vehicle's frame. In Montana, deer strike damage is not just a cosmetic issue; it's a safety concern that OHS Body Shop takes seriously. If you've recently had a deer strike or are worried about potential hidden damage, bring your vehicle to OHS Body Shop for a thorough inspection and honest estimate. A full quality check is performed at the end of the repair process to ensure the vehicle's safety and roadworthiness.
- Unseen damages from deer strikes can compromise safety and lead to more expensive repairs later.
- The force of impact may bend or crack parts of the vehicle's frame or unibody, which are not immediately apparent.
- Suspension components can also be jarred or damaged, affecting vehicle handling and safety.
- Radiators and cooling systems may be cracked or punctured, leading to overheating if undetected.
- Airbag sensors may be affected without triggering airbags, compromising future airbag deployment.
- Hidden cracks or breaks in headlights, fog lights, or electrical wiring can cause intermittent lighting failures or electrical issues.
- Impact with a deer or the subsequent collision with road debris can harm the undercarriage or exhaust system.
- Alignment issues can also occur, leading to uneven tire wear and handling problems.
- A detailed inspection by an experienced mechanic or collision repair specialist is crucial to detect hidden damages.
- Diagnostic scanning can check airbag sensors, electrical systems, and engine management for faults.
- Paint and finish work restore the vehicle's appearance after structural and mechanical repairs.
- OHS Body Shop, in Kalispell, Montana, specializes in thorough inspections and expert repairs for deer strike damage, offering ADAS sensor recalibration and working with insurance companies to simplify the claims process.
