Deer movement across southwest Missouri peaks in October and November. In a 2024 Missouri report, over 2,900 deer-related crashes were recorded. And, according to a University of Washington study, the risk of deer-vehicle collisions climbs to 16% after clocks fall back on November 1. A head-on strike hits right where your radiator sits, so knowing what to do if you hit a deer can protect you from further harm or frustration and keep your engine from sustaining more damage.
What Should You Do Immediately If You Hit a Deer?
Ease off the gas, brake, and keep a firm grip on the wheel, the Urban Wildlife Stewardship Society advises. Don't swerve: MoDOT warns that swerving can send drivers off the road or into oncoming traffic.
Once stopped, turn on your hazards and check everyone for injuries without approaching the deer. AAA cautions drivers not to assume the car is fine to drive, so check for leaking fluids, loose parts, broken lights, and a hood that won't latch. Parents, teach your teen this part of what to do if you hit a deer: A puddle under the front end means call a tow, not drive home.
What Engine Damage Can Hitting a Deer Cause?
That puddle often comes from the system that keeps your engine from overheating. A deer strike can damage:
- The radiator, which cools the engine with circulating coolant
- The A/C condenser, mounted in front of the radiator
- The cooling fan, hoses, and radiator support
- Front cameras and radar sensors, which AAA says a minor collision can knock out of alignment
Important Note: A bumper that looks fine can still hide a cracked radiator.
What Are the Signs of a Bad Radiator After Hitting a Deer?
A damaged radiator doesn't always fail right away. Watch for these signs of a bad radiator in the days after a deer strike:
- A car leaking coolant, often a green, orange, or pink puddle under the front end
- A temperature gauge climbing toward hot
- Steam from under the hood
- A sweet smell after driving
Can You Drive a Car Leaking Coolant After Hitting a Deer?
Not safely. Part of knowing what to do if you hit a deer is knowing when to stop driving. Low coolant raises engine temperatures, and the Car Care Council notes that proper coolant levels help prevent serious damage or engine failure. An overheated engine can warp the cylinder head or blow the head gasket, turning a radiator repair into a major engine job.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Deer Damage?
Cooling parts add up fast. RepairPal puts the average radiator replacement cost at $1,368 to $1,550 and the average AC condenser replacement cost at $841 to $988. One AAA study found that sensor replacement costs after a minor front-end crash averaged $1,540.
Knowing what to do if you hit a deer doesn't end at the roadside. A deer strike can also damage a tire or wheel, and your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light comes on when a tire drops 25% or more below recommended pressure.
If that light comes on, bring your vehicle to Fast Monkey Auto at 2302 Fairlawn Avenue in Carthage, Missouri. Our technicians check tires, sensors, and cooling systems, then text you updates. Call 417-323-0441 today because we've got your back.