5 Overlooked Safety Systems That Need Checking After a Crash

When most people think about collision repair, they picture body panels, bumpers, or paint being restored. But today’s vehicles are far more complex. Beneath the surface are safety systems designed to protect you in a crash and help prevent accidents in the first place. After even a minor fender bender, these systems can be compromised — and failing to check them puts you and your passengers at risk. At Heck’s Collision Center, we go beyond cosmetic fixes to make sure all of your safety features are working exactly as intended. Here are five commonly overlooked systems that should always be inspected after an accident.

1. Airbag Sensors and Modules

Airbags save lives, but only if they deploy correctly. Many drivers don’t realize that even a low-speed collision can damage the sensors that control deployment. In some cases, airbags may not deploy when needed, or worse, they could deploy at the wrong time. Both scenarios are dangerous.

During repairs, our technicians perform diagnostic scans to ensure airbag modules and sensors are fully operational. If replacements are needed, we use OEM-approved parts to restore your system to factory safety standards. This is part of the detailed care we include in auto body repair services at Heck’s.

2. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Modern vehicles often include advanced driver assistance systems such as lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. These features rely on carefully calibrated sensors and cameras. Even a slight jolt from a minor accident can knock them out of alignment.

On Arizona’s mountain roads, where visibility and control are critical, you can’t afford to have ADAS systems malfunctioning. That’s why every repair at Heck’s includes pre- and post-repair scanning to identify calibration issues. We ensure cameras and radar sensors are recalibrated before your vehicle leaves the shop.

3. Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners

Seatbelts are your first line of defense in a collision, and modern systems include pre-tensioners that tighten belts in milliseconds during a crash. These devices often activate even in minor accidents, locking the belt mechanism and preventing further use. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t realize their seatbelts are no longer functioning properly until it’s too late.

At Heck’s, we inspect seatbelt systems as part of our collision repair process. If pre-tensioners have deployed, they must be replaced for the seatbelt to function correctly. Overlooking this critical step can leave occupants unprotected in a future crash.

4. Suspension and Alignment Systems

Suspension and alignment may not seem like “safety systems” at first glance, but they play a crucial role in how your vehicle handles on the road. A bent control arm, damaged strut, or misaligned wheels can compromise steering response, braking distance, and overall stability. On winding roads in the White Mountains, these issues can become especially dangerous.

Our frame and alignment services address these concerns. We don’t just replace damaged parts — we ensure your vehicle tracks straight, corners predictably, and brakes evenly. This restores both safety and driving confidence.

5. Electronic Wiring and Battery Systems

Collisions often jolt or pinch wiring harnesses, damage connectors, or cause unseen strain on your vehicle’s electrical system. With modern cars relying on electronics for nearly every function — from airbags to engine performance — hidden wiring issues can create intermittent failures that show up weeks or months later.

That’s why Heck’s Collision Center includes a thorough diagnostic scan as part of every repair. Identifying compromised wiring early prevents small issues from turning into bigger, costlier problems down the road. It’s another way we go beyond surface-level fixes to ensure your vehicle is truly road-ready.

Why These Systems Are Overlooked

Many body shops focus solely on visible damage — dents, scratches, and panels. While those repairs matter, ignoring the underlying safety systems puts drivers at risk. Inexperienced or corner-cutting shops may skip the scanning and recalibration steps required to verify these systems are fully functional. Unfortunately, customers often don’t know until it’s too late.

As a Gold Class I-CAR certified facility and part of the USAA Stars Network, Heck’s Collision Center follows industry best practices to ensure nothing is overlooked. We invest in technician training, diagnostic tools, and repair standards that protect your family’s safety every time you get behind the wheel.

Local Conditions Make Proper Checks Even More Important

Here in the White Mountains, unpredictable weather and winding roads magnify the importance of these safety systems. Airbags, seatbelts, and ADAS features may be the difference between a near miss and a life-threatening accident. Driving in snow, ice, or heavy rain makes correct alignment and reliable brakes even more critical. That’s why we urge local drivers not to delay collision repairs or settle for shops that cut corners.

FAQs About Post-Crash Safety Systems

• Do airbags always deploy in a crash? No. Airbag deployment depends on impact severity and sensor function. Sensors can be damaged even if airbags don’t deploy.
• How do I know if my ADAS systems are misaligned? Warning lights, unusual alerts, or features not responding correctly can all signal calibration issues.
• Can I keep driving if my seatbelt feels normal? If pre-tensioners have deployed, the belt may not protect you properly in another crash. Replacement is required.
• Is an alignment really necessary after a minor accident? Yes. Even slight misalignments affect handling and tire wear, which can compromise safety on mountain roads.

Protect Your Safety With Heck’s Collision Center

Your vehicle’s safety systems are too important to overlook. After an accident, don’t just settle for cosmetic repairs — make sure the features designed to protect your life are inspected, repaired, and recalibrated. At Heck’s Collision Center, we take pride in restoring every part of your vehicle, inside and out.

Schedule your estimate today or call 1-928-368-2288 to learn more about our collision repair process. Serving Lakeside, Show Low, and the entire White Mountains region, we’re here to keep you safe on the road after any accident.