Frame Damage: What It Means and Why It Matters
When your vehicle is involved in a collision, frame damage is one of the most serious types of damage it can sustain. But what exactly is frame damage, and why is it so important to address?
What Is Frame Damage?
The frame is the structural foundation of your vehicle—think of it as the skeleton that supports everything else, from the engine and transmission to the body panels and suspension. The majority of contemporary automobiles implement unibody construction, through which the frame and body structures become integrated into one combined framework. Body-on-frame construction exists as a design choice for trucks and larger SUVs but unibody construction dominates the industry. Frame damage occurs when this foundational structure is bent, cracked, or warped during a collision or other impact. Although it may not always be visible, even minor damage can compromise the vehicle’s performance and integrity.
Why It Matters
Safety Risks: A damaged frame can compromise your vehicle’s ability to absorb impact in a future crash, putting you and your passengers at greater risk.
Poor Drivability: The improper alignment of frames produces problems which result in drifting and steering challenges and uneven tire wear thus indicating your vehicle is not safe for driving.
Costly Long-Term Problems: The failure to address frame damage results in accelerated deterioration of suspension parts and higher fuel usage and additional maintenance costs.
Insurance and Resale Value: Frame damage is typically recorded on a vehicle’s history report, which significantly reduces its resale value. It may also affect how your insurance provider handles claims.
Repair Complexity: The process of fixing frame damage involves both part replacement and the use of computerized frame-straightening machines to achieve factory specifications.
How to Know if You Have Frame Damage
Some signs include:
Visible cracks or bends in the frame or undercarriage
Strange noises from the suspension or steering
Misaligned doors or panels
Uneven tire wear
Car is pulling to one side while driving
A collision will not prevent frame damage from existing even if the vehicle appears to be unharmed. For this reason, it is vital to get your vehicle checked by an accredited collision repair center after any major collision.
Frame damage surpasses cosmetic concerns since it threatens safety and affects vehicle performance and results in financial costs. A professional diagnosis followed by proper repair is essential for maintaining your vehicle's safety and reliability.
Need help after a collision? We’re here to restore your vehicle—and your peace of mind.