What is a common indicator of structural damage in a vehicle?

Unaligned body panels or gaps between panels are a common indicator of structural damage in a vehicle. When the structure of a vehicle experiences an impact or a collision, it can cause misalignment in the body panels. This misalignment can manifest as uneven gaps between panels or an overall lack of symmetry in the vehicle's appearance. Structural damage often affects the vehicle's integrity, leading to issues such as compromised safety and difficulty in ensuring proper repairs.

Unlike surface-level blemishes such as minor scratches on the paint or worn tires, which may indicate wear and tear but not structural integrity issues, unaligned body panels directly suggest that the underlying framework has been affected. Similarly, faded headlights typically represent cosmetic aging rather than structural concerns. Thus, the observation of unaligned body panels is a critical aspect to consider when assessing the overall integrity and safety of a vehicle after an incident.