Dealing with Car Frame Damage : What You Need to Know

Name: Miller Brothers Auto Repair
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Jan 26, 2024 | auto repair shop

What should you do when you have car frame damage? The frame of a car is like its skeleton. It provides structure and support to the entire vehicle, keeping it together and safe on the road. However, just like any part of your car, the frame can get damaged in a crash.

Driving a car with a damaged frame is not safe and can cause harm to other important parts of your car over time. In this article, we’ll explain everything you should know about damage and what steps to take if your car experiences it.

What is Car Frame Damage?

A car’s frame is like its backbone, supporting all the other parts of the vehicle and ensuring it keeps its shape. It’s also designed to protect you in case of an accident. When we talk about “frame damage,” we mean any harm to the parts of the car that are supposed to support its structure. Because different cars have different frame designs, frame damage can look different depending on the car you have.

What Causes Frame Damage?

Car frame damage in Corryton TN usually happens in a car accident, whether it’s a small fender bender or a more significant collision.

How to Spot Frame Damage

Sometimes after an accident, you can see damage on the surface of your car, like scratches or dents. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t hidden damage. To be sure, you should take your car to a trustworthy auto body repair shop in Corryton TN. Here are some common signs to watch for after an accident:

Visible Bends or Damage: Look for any obvious twists or bends in the frame.
Uneven Tire Wear: Check if your tires wear down unevenly.
Alignment Problems: If your car doesn’t drive straight, it could be a sign.
Strange Sounds: Unusual noises when driving can indicate damage.
Suspension Issues: Uneven wear on your car’s suspension parts.
Misplaced Parts: Sometimes, other car parts may be out of place.

Types of Damage

There are four main types of damage that can result from a collision:

Sagging Frame: Visible damage that creates gaps in the car’s body.
Twisted Frame: Similar to sagging but harder to see, causing unevenness.
Mash Damage: Often from rear-end or head-on collisions, making one end of the frame shorter.
Sway Damage: When one corner of the car is hit, it can make the frame lean to one side.

Severity Levels

Frame damage can range from minor to severe. Small dents may be considered frame damage but might not affect the car’s structure much. Severe misalignment or a completely crumpled frame can be a serious problem, making your car unsafe to drive.

Factors Affecting Damage

The type and extent of damage can depend on several factors, such as the speed and angle of the collision and how much you drive the car after the accident.

What to Do if You Suspect Frame Damage

If you suspect your car has damage, it’s crucial not to ignore it. Here are the steps to follow:

Safety First: After an accident, ensure your safety and check if you or any passengers are okay.
Contact Your Insurance: Notify your auto insurance provider about the accident.
Monitor Your Car: Pay attention to how your car drives; if it doesn’t feel right, take note.
Document Damage: Take photos of any new damage you notice and make a list of any issues with your car’s performance.
Avoid Driving: When there’s damage, don’t drive your car unless necessary.
Visit a Repair Shop: Take your car to a reputable collision repair shop for a professional evaluation and repair.

Repairing Frame Damage

Fixing a bent or damaged frame requires specialized equipment that can apply force to straighten it back to its original shape. This is done using framing machines that use hydraulic pressure and torque to make precise adjustments. If you suspect frame damage in your car, don’t delay. Contact a trusted auto repair shop like Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop to assess and repair the damage promptly.