How Collision Damage Can Quietly Impact Your Engine’s Performance
Posted on May 16, 2025
After a car accident, most people focus on the obvious: dents, broken lights, and cracked bumpers. But what often goes unnoticed is how collision damage can quietly affect your engine’s performance. While the exterior damage might seem minor, the impact from even a low-speed crash can disturb key engine components, sensors, and systems that are critical to how your vehicle runs. If you’ve been in a collision, no matter how small, it’s important to visit a certified collision repair body shop like Modern Automotive in Vaughan to ensure that noticeable and hidden damages are appropriately diagnosed and repaired. As a leading body shop in Vaughan, the experts at Modern Automotive provide expert repairs to mitigate changes to your car’s efficiency and reliability.
Here are some ways that a car accident or collision can impact your engine performance, and when to visit Modern Automotive for car repair in Vaughan.
Hidden Damage to Engine Mounts and Alignment
When a vehicle is struck, especially from the front or side, the force of the impact can dislodge engine mounts or cause misalignments. Because these mounts are designed to hold the engine securely, even a slight shift can result in increased engine movement, causing vibrations, rattling noises, and, in some cases, this can strain connecting components like belts, hoses, and wiring.
At Modern Automotive, a certified collision repair body shop, our technicians inspect all structural areas that could influence engine positioning. Detecting and correcting alignment issues early can prevent excessive wear and tear on engine parts and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Disruption to the Cooling System
While it’s not part of the engine itself, the radiator and associated cooling components are essential to a well-functioning engine. A compromised radiator, cracked coolant reservoir, or an out-of-place fan assembly may not immediately cause overheating but can slowly deteriorate cooling performance.
Over time, a slow leak or minor misalignment in the cooling system can cause your engine to operate at unsafe temperatures. This not only reduces fuel efficiency but also increases the risk of engine failure. If you’ve been in a front-end accident, prioritize professional car repair in Vaughan with the certified auto body repair and mechanic team at Modern Automotive.
Sensor and Electrical Malfunctions
Modern vehicles rely heavily on sensors and electronic control units (ECUs) to monitor and manage engine functions. These sensors regulate everything from fuel injection to exhaust output. In a collision, the impact or vibration can loosen connections, damage sensors, or even short out sensitive components.
As a trusted body shop in Vaughan, Modern Automotive uses advanced diagnostic tools to scan for any electronic irregularities post-collision. We check oxygen sensors, airflow meters, throttle positions, and engine timing systems to make sure your vehicle’s computer is receiving accurate data. When sensor data is skewed or incomplete, your engine might overcompensate, leading to idling, reduced power, or increased fuel consumption.
Signs You Need Engine Service After a Collision
Unlike cosmetic fixes that only address external damage, a complete collision repair must include an evaluation of mechanical and engine-related systems. At Modern Automotive, we understand the importance of the external repairs for your vehicle and optimal internal functionality. If you notice the following signs after a front end collision, visit our mechanic and auto body shop in Vaughan.
New or Unusual Engine Noises
- Fluid Leaks
- Dashboard Warning Lights
- Overheating or Smoking Engine
- Poor Acceleration or Power Loss
- Increased Vibration or Shaking
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Choose Modern Automotive for Expert Collision Repair in Vaughan
Even a minor collision can cause severe damage to the internal function of your vehicle. For everything from small body shop repairs like dent fixes, painting, and auto glass repair to mechanical services and testing, trust the certified experts at Modern Automotive.