Collision Repair
During a collision between two vehicles or between a vehicle and an obstacle, the vehicle can sustain damage beyond cracked, dented, and damaged panels. The accident can also cause the vehicle’s frame to bend or twist, resulting in structural impairment that compromises its safety and handling.
You can’t always see frame damage, but you can certainly notice the effects it has on your vehicle. Here are some of the most common car frame damage signs to look out for so you know when it’s time to call a trusted expert for collision frame repair services.
Visible Frame Issues
If you can inspect the underbody of your vehicle, look for visible bends, cracks, or rust. Any signs of bending or warping indicate that the frame has absorbed impact from the crash and is now deformed. There can also be cracks and stress fractures that weaken the vehicle’s structural integrity.
If there is fresh rust, pay attention. When new rust forms, it often means that metal has been exposed due to impact damage. Even the most minor distortions can be cause for concern and mean that a vehicle frame no longer aligns to its factory specifications. Your local frame repair experts can use advanced tools to find even the smallest of frame imperfections!
Uneven Body Panel Gaps
Even when you can’t look directly at your vehicle’s frame, you may be able to tell that it needs collision frame repair just by looking at the gaps between the body panels.
Note any uneven or inconsistent gaps between the fenders, trunk, hood, and doors that may indicate a frame twist. This can also be the case when the panels are only slightly uneven, no longer symmetrical, or one side of your vehicle looks slightly different than the other. In most cases, this misalignment is due to the frame being pushed or pulled out of shape.
Difficulty Opening and Closing Parts of Your Car
You shouldn’t have to force your car door, hood, or trunk to close. It also shouldn’t stick or latch poorly. If any part of your car is having this issue, it could be time to seek collision frame repair!
It’s easy to assume that it’s simply your trunk or door’s hinges that are the issue, but it can actually be the frame around them. Even the slightest distortion in the frame can cause misalignment.
Pulling to One Side While Driving
While wheel alignment issues are a common reason a vehicle pulls to one side, they’re also among the most common car frame damage signs! A bent frame can alter the suspension geometry, causing the vehicle to pull left or right. It can be dangerous, especially when driving at high speeds.
Alongside the pulling, the steering may also feel uneven and require constant correction. When you’ve performed a wheel alignment, and the problem persists, it’s time to investigate further.
The Tires Are Wearing Quickly or Unevenly
Uneven tire wear is a common sign of poor wheel alignment, but it can also indicate a bent or damaged car frame. Frame damage can change how your tires make contact with the road, causing them to wear on one side more than the other. Look for signs of abnormal tread or cupping. While it’s easy to assume that replacing the tires solves the problem, the only true fix is frame repairs.
Strange Sounds While Driving
As soon as you hear a strange sound, pay attention. Any unusual sounds coming from your car shouldn’t be ignored, especially any that could be frame damage-related!
Metallic, groaning, and creaking sounds can all come from stressed frame parts. You may also hear the sounds more often when turning, driving over bumps, and accelerating. It’s important to schedule collision frame repair as soon as possible, as these sounds can point to shifting parts and structural stress that can worsen over time.
Poor Handling
You know how your car feels, so you certainly notice when it feels different. Surprisingly, a damaged frame can significantly affect how your vehicle responds on the road. It might feel ‘loose’ while driving, or less stable, especially during turns. Even the braking performance might be different because of the now uneven weight distribution.
As driver control is a safety issue, rectify this problem as soon as possible by visiting your local collision repair business for a comprehensive assessment.
Uneven Stance
Is your car sitting higher or lower on one side? Maybe you’ve noticed that the wheels aren’t sitting centered in their wheel wells, or the suspension parts look slightly skewed or out of place. Any slight unevenness in how your vehicle sits when it’s parked can be cause for concern.
Sensor Issues and Airbag Warning Lights
Modern cars are smart. They are packed full of sensors and lights designed to keep you as safe as possible on the road. However, these systems need incredibly precise frame geometry to operate at their best. Therefore, any misalignment can affect your crash detection systems and airbag sensors.
If your frame is damaged, you may notice that warning lights appear, even if the airbags don’t deploy.
What to Do Next
Any of these car frame damage signs is cause for concern, whether you’ve noticed one or multiple. At the first sign of an issue, make an appointment with a trusted collision repair specialist. They can perform a thorough inspection to identify all damage, then restore your car to its pre-accident condition with top-of-the-line equipment and techniques.
Collision frame repairs can’t wait, as a damaged frame can make a vehicle dangerous to operate. Frame issues affect crash safety, structural integrity, resale value, and long-term wear on other components.
Schedule Collision Frame Repair with Mr. Car Shine Body Shop in Garland, TX
Don’t delay scheduling collision frame repair when you need it to remain safe on our roads. Contact the friendly, knowledgeable team at Mr. Car Shine Body Shop in Garland, Texas, to discuss your needs today.
Our experienced frame repair team will perform a thorough assessment and discuss your options before giving your vehicle the special treatment it deserves. We’re here to guide you through collision frame repair every step of the way and provide a stress-free, straightforward service.
