CAADE Vehicle Damage Identification 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which measuring reference point is commonly used to identify sidesway damage on a unibody vehicle?
- Roof centerline
- Datum plane
- Vehicle centerline (Correct answer)
- Rocker panel height
Correct answer: Vehicle centerline
The vehicle centerline is used as a reference to detect sidesway, as the front or rear of the vehicle shifts laterally from the center axis.
Question 2: A vehicle brought in for appraisal has a radiator support that is pushed rearward but undamaged side rails. This pattern suggests:
- Full frontal impact
- Low-speed offset impact
- Isolated impact to the radiator support only (Correct answer)
- Underride collision
Correct answer: Isolated impact to the radiator support only
When the radiator support is damaged but the side rails are intact, the impact was concentrated at the support, not spread across the full front structure.
Question 3: Which type of damage is characterized by metal being compressed and shortened along the axis of impact?
- Mash damage (Correct answer)
- Buckle damage
- Sag damage
- Twist damage
Correct answer: Mash damage
Mash damage involves the compression and shortening of vehicle sections along the length of the vehicle due to direct impact forces.
Question 4: When inspecting a vehicle for prior repair, paint film thickness readings that exceed OEM specifications most likely indicate:
- Manufacturer touch-up from the factory
- A previous collision repair with additional paint layers (Correct answer)
- UV clear coat deterioration
- Normal variation within production tolerances
Correct answer: A previous collision repair with additional paint layers
Excessive paint film thickness compared to OEM specs typically means additional layers of paint were applied during a prior repair.
Question 5: A strut tower that is pushed inward toward the engine bay is most likely the result of:
- Undercarriage damage
- A high-speed frontal impact (Correct answer)
- Engine mounting failure
- Suspension overload from a pothole
Correct answer: A high-speed frontal impact
In a high-speed frontal collision, energy transfers through the front structure and can push strut towers inward into the engine compartment.
Question 6: Which condition describes damage where the vehicle's structure has been pushed sideways relative to its normal alignment?
- Mash
- Sag
- Sidesway (Correct answer)
- Kickup
Correct answer: Sidesway
Sidesway occurs when a lateral force displaces the front or rear of the vehicle to one side, misaligning the structure.
Question 7: A vehicle appraiser notices the trunk lid does not align symmetrically with the quarter panels after a rear-end collision. The most likely cause is:
- Improper trunk lid adjustment
- Trunk lid hinge wear
- Rear structure misalignment from collision damage (Correct answer)
- Aftermarket trunk lid installation
Correct answer: Rear structure misalignment from collision damage
Asymmetrical trunk lid gaps following a rear collision typically indicate that the rear body structure has been distorted out of alignment.
CAADE Vehicle Damage Identification 3
Which measuring reference point is commonly used to identify sidesway damage on a unibody vehicle?