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Master Match Collision Center Blog

Why You Should Never Skip Wheel Alignment After an Accident

Master Match Collision Center • 2 December 2024
A red truck with a damaged front end is parked on the side of the road.

After an accident, whether minor or severe, ensuring your car is properly repaired and safe to drive should be a top priority. One crucial but often overlooked step in post-accident repair is wheel alignment. Even if the damage seems minor or unrelated to your tires, skipping a wheel alignment could lead to long-term issues. Here are five important reasons why you should never skip wheel alignment after an accident.


Preserve Your Tires

When your wheels are out of alignment, your tires experience uneven wear. This reduces their lifespan and forces you to replace them more frequently. Uneven tire wear also affects traction, making driving less safe, especially in wet or slippery conditions. A quick alignment check after an accident can help prevent unnecessary tire damage and keep your car handling as it should.


Proper Steering and Handling

Even minor misalignments can disrupt your car’s steering and handling, leading to a drifting sensation or requiring constant corrections while driving. This can make your vehicle harder to control, especially at higher speeds or during sudden maneuvers. Proper alignment restores balance to your vehicle, enabling a smoother, safer driving experience.


Prevent Suspension Damage

The force of an accident can affect your car’s suspension system, which works closely with your wheels to maintain stability. Misaligned wheels place extra stress on suspension components, increasing the likelihood of damage to this system. By addressing alignment issues promptly, you can avoid costly repairs to your suspension.


Optimize Fuel-Efficiency

When your wheels are misaligned, your car must work harder to maintain its intended path. This added effort increases rolling resistance, which in turn reduces fuel-efficiency. Proper alignment helps ensure that your vehicle rolls smoothly, saving you money at the pump and reducing your carbon footprint.


Long-Term Safety

A misaligned vehicle is less predictable, increasing the risk of accidents in the future. Proper wheel alignment reduces the likelihood of losing control during emergency situations. When safety is on the line, investing in wheel alignment after an accident is a small price to pay for greater peace of mind.


Collision Repair in San Antonio, TX

For collision repair in San Antonio and the surrounding area, contact Master Match Collision Center at  210-503-9560. Our local body shop will expertly restore your vehicle to a safely drivable condition. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

by Master Match Collision Center 30 December 2024
A dented car door may seem like a minor issue, but addressing it promptly is more important than you might think. Beyond just aesthetics, repairing a dented door has practical benefits that make it a worthwhile investment. At Master Match Collision Center, we provide expert car dent repair in the greater San Antonio area. Here are five reasons why fixing a dented car door is a smart choice. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Appearance Your car’s exterior plays a big role in its overall look. A dented door can significantly diminish its appearance, making your vehicle look older and less cared for. Fixing the dent helps restore your car’s sleek appearance, so it remains visually appealing whether you’re commuting to work or trying to sell it. Protect Against Rust and Corrosion A dent can compromise the paint and protective coatings on your car, exposing the metal underneath to moisture and air. This exposure can lead to rust and corrosion, which can spread beyond the dented area. Addressing the damage quickly prevents rust from taking hold, helping to protect the structural integrity of your vehicle. Preserve Your Car’s Value A vehicle in good condition holds its value much better than one with visible damage. If you’re planning to sell or trade in your car, a dented door could meaningfully reduce its resale value. Investing in repairs now helps ensure your vehicle retains its worth and appeals to potential buyers. Ensure Proper Door Functionality A dented door isn’t just an eyesore—it can also affect how the door opens and closes. Misaligned or damaged doors may not seal properly, allowing wind and water to enter the cabin. This can make your driving experience less comfortable and may lead to additional issues like water damage to the interior. Avoid Escalating Repair Costs What starts as a simple dent can turn into a more significant problem if left unaddressed. Rust can spread, paint damage can worsen, and door mechanisms can become compromised. Fixing the issue promptly can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more extensive repairs later. Car Dent Repair in San Antonio, TX For auto body repair in San Antonio and the surrounding area, contact Master Match Collision Center at  210-503-9560  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
A close up of the underside of a car on a white background.
by Master Match Collision Center 30 October 2024
If your car’s undercarriage is damaged in an accident, addressing the issue quickly is essential to avoid further problems. The undercarriage includes critical components such as the frame, suspension, exhaust system, and drivetrain, all of which play a key role in your vehicle’s performance and safety. Even minor accidents involving potholes or curbs can result in significant undercarriage damage, and since the issues aren’t always visible, it’s important to know how to respond. Check for Signs of Trouble The first step after an accident is to assess whether your vehicle is safe to drive. Strange noises, fluid leaks, or difficulty steering could indicate serious issues beneath the surface. If the car pulls to one side or you hear clunking or scraping sounds, it’s best to avoid driving and have the vehicle towed to a collision repair shop, such as Master Match Collision Center, for an inspection. Driving with undercarriage damage can be dangerous and may worsen existing issues, leading to more costly repairs. Get a Professional Inspection Once your car has been brought in for inspection, our professional technicians can identify hidden damage that might not be obvious to the untrained eye. At Master Match Collision Center, we use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure every component is thoroughly evaluated. Even if the car seems to drive fine, damage to the frame or suspension can create long-term safety concerns if not properly repaired. Work with Your Insurance Company If the undercarriage damage resulted from a collision, your insurance policy may help cover the repair costs. We understand how stressful it can be to manage the claims process, which is why our team works directly with major insurance carriers to make things easier for you. We’ll handle the paperwork and communicate with your insurance adjuster to reduce out-of-pocket costs and get your vehicle repaired as quickly as possible. At Master Match Collision Center, we specialize in restoring vehicles to pre-accident condition, including comprehensive undercarriage repairs. Following any accident, big or small, give our San Antonio auto body shop a call at  210-503-9560  . We would be happy to provide you with an estimate for the cost of collision repair and undercarriage repair for your vehicle, no matter its make or model.
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