How to Determine Whether a Used Car is an Accident Vehicle
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- Issue Time
- Sep 28,2025
Summary
The used car industry has a clear definition of an accident vehicle: a vehicle is considered an accident vehicle only if the accident has affected the vehicle's safety and overall performance
When purchasing a used car, determining whether it is an accident vehicle is of paramount importance. The used car industry has a clear definition of an accident vehicle: a vehicle is considered an accident vehicle only if the accident has affected the vehicle's safety and overall performance, such as a severe collision that has resulted in significant deformation of the engine compartment, twisted chassis beams, or shattered body parts. Minor scratches and partial paint touch-ups do not qualify as an accident vehicle. Below are several practical methods for identifying an accident vehicle to help you avoid potential problems when choosing a used car.
1. Hood Screw Identification
To determine whether a used car is an accident vehicle, start by inspecting the front of the vehicle. Open the hood and directly inspect the hood screws—they typically retain their original finish. If the paint on the screws is chipped, scratched, or tampered with, it indicates the hood has likely been disassembled, likely indicating a major engine overhaul. Such a used car is suspected of being an accident vehicle and warrants further inspection.
2. Radiator and Frame Screw Identification
Continue to inspect the used car's radiator frame. The radiator frame can be connected using either welds or screws. If it's a welded connection, there's no need to worry too much. Focus on the screws near the radiator frame and the headlight screws. If these screws show no signs of being twisted or dislodged, it's highly likely the front of the used car hasn't been in a serious collision, and the likelihood of it being in an accident is relatively low. However, be aware that some used cars can loosen related screws when replacing the headlight bulb. Therefore, focus on the radiator frame screws to avoid misjudging the used car's condition.
3. Engine Mount Screw Identification
The engine mount screws are key components that secure the used car's engine to the support beam and are crucial for determining whether the used car has been in an accident. There are three common reasons for removing and installing these screws: First, if a used car has been in a serious accident, the support beam needs to be corrected due to damage and deformation. This situation indicates that the front of the used car is likely severely damaged, typical of an accident vehicle. Second, if the used car's engine malfunctions and requires repair or overhaul, such issues can significantly affect the used car's value. Third, to replace the engine pads. This is routine maintenance for used cars. Engine pads are made of rubber, and replacing them after aging is normal and does not affect the safety of the used car, so there is no need for excessive concern.
4. Identifying Door Screws
Similar to hood screws, if a used car only has minor scratches, it is usually not necessary to remove the door for sheet metal repair or painting. Today's repair technology allows for direct repair of dents using non-marking repair tools, eliminating the need to remove the door. Door removal for repair or replacement is only necessary if a used car has been in a major collision, resulting in significant damage. Therefore, the door screws are crucial for determining whether a used car has been involved in an accident. Most used cars have door screws with their original paint finish. If the paint is chipped or there are signs of tampering, be wary of an accident. Some used cars have unpainted door screws; check for black marks on the screws. If the marks are chipped, it could indicate disassembly.
5. Trunk Lid Screw Identification
Go to the rear of a used car. If the car has been involved in a rear-end collision and the impact was significant, the trunk lid is likely damaged. If the trunk lid needs to be repaired or replaced, it indicates a more serious rear-end collision—after all, a minor scratch wouldn't involve touching the trunk screws. Therefore, checking the trunk screws for signs of disassembly can effectively determine whether the car has been involved in a serious rear-end collision and help eliminate the risk of an accident.
When choosing a used car, be sure to choose a reputable dealer or platform. This not only reduces the chance of buying an accident car but also saves you from subsequent hassles. Yitongda specializes in the export of used cars from China. With years of experience in the used car market, we partner with numerous domestic car dealerships and auction houses to ensure a diverse and quality supply of used cars, helping customers acquire high-quality used cars at competitive prices. If you're interested in purchasing a used car or learning more about used cars, please contact us. We will provide professional guidance and help you find the vehicle you're looking for.