According to recent data, in 2022 more than 4.2 million car crashes lead to vehicle damage. After a collision, even a seemingly minor one, there’s always something to deal with. For instance, you may find yourself struggling with a stubborn car door that refuses to close properly. Understanding why this happens can help you either fix it yourself or better communicate with your mechanic about the repair.
1. Frame Damage
The most common reason a door won’t close after an accident is frame damage. Your car’s frame serves as the backbone of the vehicle, and even slight warping can throw off the precise alignment needed for doors to open and close smoothly. During a collision, the force of impact can bend or twist the frame, causing the door opening to become misshaped. While the damage might be barely visible to the untrained eye, even millimeters of misalignment can prevent proper door closure.
2. Hinge Damage
Door hinges are designed to support the weight of the door while allowing smooth movement. These components can become bent, broken, or misaligned during an accident. When hinges are damaged, they may no longer hold the door in the correct position relative to the frame. This means the door hangs too low or sits at an awkward angle. This often manifests as a door that appears to close but doesn’t latch properly.
3. Latch Mechanism Issues
The door latch system consists of several intricate components that must work in perfect harmony. An accident can damage these mechanisms directly or cause misalignment that prevents proper engagement. Sometimes the striker plate (the metal piece on the car’s frame that the latch connects with) gets bent or shifts position. In other cases, the latch itself might be damaged internally, preventing it from gripping the striker properly.
4. Door Panel Deformation
The door panel itself can become warped, dented, or bent during a collision. Even if the frame and hinges remain intact, a deformed door panel won’t fit correctly into its designated space. This type of damage is often visible as bulges, ripples, or gaps along the door’s edges.
5. Weatherstripping Interference
Though less common, damaged weatherstripping can sometimes prevent a door from closing properly. The rubber seals around your door might become dislodged or damaged in an accident, creating enough resistance to prevent the door from closing completely.
What To Do Next
If you’re experiencing door closure issues after an accident, it’s important to have your vehicle professionally assessed. What might seem like a simple fix sometimes requires some expert assistance. Attempting DIY repairs on door alignment issues is fine, but be aware, if you’re not careful, you might end up causing more damage.
Closing Thoughts
A qualified auto body shop can determine whether the problem requires simple adjustments, component replacement, or frame straightening. In most cases, a repair can restore your door’s functionality and maintain the structural integrity of your vehicle for safe operation on the road.
If you have questions about auto care or need auto body and collision repair for your vehicle, please get in touch with us today.