Vehicle Damage Identification Flashcards

A vehicle is found to have a bent rear axle following a rear collision. In addition to the axle, which adjacent component must be closely inspected for damage?

Answer: Rear control arms and mounting points

A bent rear axle typically transmits force to the rear control arms and their frame mounting points, which must be inspected for deformation.

Which of the following describes 'induced damage' in the context of collision appraisal?

Answer: Damage in areas away from the primary impact, caused by transferred collision forces

Induced damage is structural or component damage found away from the primary impact zone, caused by the transfer of collision energy through the vehicle.

When a vehicle sustains a moderate frontal impact, which component most commonly absorbs initial energy before the structural rails?

Answer: Bumper energy absorber (foam or plastic)

The bumper energy absorber, made of foam or plastic, is designed to compress and absorb low-speed impact energy before forces reach the structural rails.

Which paint defect appears as a pattern of small craters or holes in the finish and is caused by silicone contamination?

Answer: Fisheyes

Fisheyes are circular craters in the paint film caused by silicone or oil contamination on the surface prior to painting.

During an appraisal, you find that the vehicle's spare tire well is crumpled upward into the trunk floor. This damage pattern is most consistent with:

Answer: A direct rear-end collision with significant structural intrusion

Upward crumpling of the spare tire well into the trunk floor indicates a severe rear-end collision that has driven the rear structure forward.

Which of the following correctly distinguishes a 'stress crack' in a bumper cover from an impact crack?

Answer: Stress cracks typically radiate from a single point of force, while stress cracks follow flex lines or mounting points

Impact cracks radiate outward from a point of direct force, while stress cracks in plastic covers typically follow structural flex lines or mounting hardware locations.

A vehicle appraiser suspects the odometer has been rolled back. Which physical evidence on the vehicle is most supportive of this suspicion?

Answer: Excessive wear on the brake pedal pad, steering wheel, and seat bolsters inconsistent with the indicated mileage

Wear patterns on high-contact surfaces like brake pedals, steering wheels, and seat bolsters that exceed what is expected for the stated mileage are strong physical indicators of odometer fraud.