Collision Vehicle Evaluation Checklist

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When servicing load-bearing or wheel-supporting components on vehicles involved in a collision, damages on the suspension could remain undiscovered. These undiscovered damages may lead to severe damage in continued vehicle operation. Therefore, on accident vehicles, the listed components must be checked in the described manner and sequence, independent of performing an axle alignment. If no deviations from the specified values were determined during an axle alignment, then no deformations of the chassis are present.

Visual inspection and function check of the steering system

Visual inspection for deformations and cracks
Check for play in tie rod joints and steering gear
Visual inspection for faulty bellows and grease boots
Check electric and hydraulic lines and hoses for chafe marks, cuts and kinks.
Check hydraulic lines, threaded connections and steering gear for leaks
Make sure the steering gear and lines are securely fastened.
Check for correct function over the entire steering angle by turning the steering wheel from stop to stop. Steering wheel must be able to rotate an even force without getting caught.

Visual and Function Test for the Suspension

The sequence of the following test steps must be maintained.

Check all components shown in the overviews for deformation, cracks and other damage.
Replace the damaged components
Perform a vehicle alignment on a Volkswagen AG approved alignment rack.

Visual and function test for wheels, tires

Check for run-out and imbalance.
Check tires for cuts and impact damage in the tread and on the sides. Refer to the appropriate Service Information .
Check the tire pressure; for the correct tire pressure, refer to the tire pressure label on the driver side B-pillar or on the fuel filler door.

Replace the tire if the rim and/or the tire are damaged. This also applies when the crash details and damage to the vehicle point to possible non-visible damages.

Another deciding factor is the age of the tires: the tires must not be older than 6 years.

If in doubt:

As soon as a safety risk cannot be ruled out, the tire(s) must be replaced.

Entire vehicle

Check other vehicle systems, for example:

Brake system including ABS
Exhaust system and passenger protection by visual and function check

Test values, adjustment values and notes can be found in respective repair information.

This test is for checking the chassis on a vehicle, that has been in a collision. The test does not cover the entire vehicle.

Electronic vehicle systems

Safety-related systems, such as: ABS/EDS; Airbag; electronically controlled suspension systems; electro-mechanical; electro-hydraulic steering and other driver assist systems, must be checked for possible stored fault messages using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester. If faults were stored in the DTC memory for the system mentioned, then these systems must be serviced according to the specifications in the repair information. After performing repairs, check the DTC memory of the affected system again, to make sure that proper function can be ensured again.