How to spot an accident-damaged car: 6 signs
How to recognise a car repaired after an accident: paint thickness readings, panel gaps, weld marks and other signs specialists check.
10/21/20265 min read
A car can look perfect, but a serious accident history can hide under shiny paint. A well-repaired car isn't necessarily a bad buy – but the buyer should know what they're buying and pay the right price.
1. Paint thickness
This is the quickest way to find repainted panels. Factory paint is usually a similar thickness across the whole car. If one panel has a much thicker layer, it has most likely been repainted. A very thick layer can mean body filler underneath.
2. Panel gaps
Look at the gaps between doors, wings, bonnet and boot lid. Uneven gaps or panels that don't line up point to repairs or poorly fitted parts.
3. Bolts and fixings
Open the bonnet and doors. Scratched bolt heads on wings, door hinges or the radiator support show that parts have been removed.
4. Glass and lights
Car windows usually carry a production date. If one window is much newer than the others, it has been replaced. The same goes for headlights: one new and one yellowed – ask why.
5. Underneath and in the boot
Lift the boot carpet: weld seams, fresh sealant or crumpled metal indicate a rear impact. Underneath, look for bent rails and freshly painted areas.
6. Safety systems
Diagnostics show whether there are faults in the airbag system. A lit airbag warning light or cleared codes can mean the airbags have been deployed.
Is a repaired car worth buying?
Minor cosmetic repairs are a normal part of used cars. What matters is that the load-bearing structure isn't damaged and the price reflects the real condition.
Want a specialist to check the car for you? Autikra.lt offers pre-purchase inspections from €100. See prices or get in touch to book a time.
Contact us
Pre-purchase car inspection – Šiauliai and all of Lithuania.
© 2026 autikra.lt