If you’ve been recently involved in a car accident, many things might have happened to your car.
There’s a high chance a collision can inflict damage to your car frame and push it out of alignment. You may only see scratches and dents on the outside. However, there can be damage underneath the surface, making your car unfit for driving and prone to further harm — not to mention the impaired ability to protect you from other accidents.
It is best to have your car inspected by specialists to ensure your safety as they provide various services, including frame straightening: the process of reverting car frame indents. Auto frame straightening is the best method to restore car frames to their original condition. While it isn’t easy, demanding precision and care, it yields beneficial results when done correctly.
Recognizing Car Frame Damage
There are cases when car accidents don’t leave visible signs of damage. It may take you several trips before you notice something’s up with your car.
To help you determine whether your car frame is damaged, here are some signs to look out for:
1. Visible Damage
Sometimes, all it takes is a quick inspection to discover your car frame is damaged. Look for rust, creases, and cracks on the frame, as these are visible signs.
Inspect the underside of your car as well if there are bent or missing components.
2. Crooked Driving
Poor wheel tracking is an invisible sign of car frame damage. This happens when you try to drive straight, but your car veers in another direction. Not only does this require additional corrections while driving, but it is also unsafe, especially when traversing high-traffic areas.
3. Unusual Noises
A damaged car frame produces unusual noises, such as creaking and squeaking. While seemingly harmless, they indicate a larger problem that requires attention and a professionally executed checkup.
4. Easily Worn Suspension and Tires
A damaged frame can jeopardize your car’s mechanisms, including its suspension and tires, destabilizing them and making the vehicle difficult to control while driving. This, in turn, increases the risk of another accident.
5. Stubborn Doors and Trunk
Different parts of your car may fall out of place when the frame is damaged or bent, such as the doors, trunk, and hood. Because the frame serves as the foundation of your car, any damage subsequently affects the mounts, hinges, bolts, and locks.
Vulnerable Frame Parts
Car frames are composed of many components. Identifying which are damaged helps damage specialists determine whether standard frame straightening procedures can correct any existing misalignment.
The following are components to be inspected immediately after incurring an accident:
- A, B, and C Pillars
- Apron
- Core Support
- Fire Wall
- Hood Quarter Panel
- Rear Support
- Rocker Panel
- Strut Tower
- Unirail
How Does Frame Straightening Work
If you’re wondering how auto body repair shops perform frame straightening, here’s an overview of the process:
Damage Assessment
First, the car in question is placed on a platform to thoroughly assess its frame’s status with specialized equipment. Afterward, the estimated cost and time needed for repair will be provided. Usually, auto body repair shops prepare an action plan for any necessary repairs during the assessment phase.
Damage Repair
When frame damage is minor or shallow, auto body shops provide simple repair services to fix the problem. However, when there’s extensive damage, a frame straightening machine may be needed. This requires expertise and should only be done by professionals with the essential knowledge and experience.
How Much Does Frame Straightening Cost?
The process usually hovers between $500 and $750, including labor. The cost depends on how extensive the damage is, so ask the auto body repair shop for an idea of your minimum budget.
Is Frame Straightening Safe?
When done correctly, frame straightening can make your car as fit to drive as before the accident. There are many cases where utilizing different auto body frame straightening techniques repairs or fixes the damage. However, there are also cases where junking the car and selling its parts are the only optimal solution. Talk to an auto body repair shop to know whether your vehicle is still safe to drive after frame straightening.
Northwest Collision Center Is Here To Help
If you think your car frame is damaged due to a recent accident you’ve been involved in, bring it in for an inspection at a reliable auto body repair shop.
Northwest Collision Center is the go-to provider of different auto repair and maintenance services in Florida, including frame straightening. We have an auto body repair shop in St. Petersburg, FL, that you can visit for all your auto needs. Our highly-trained technicians have extensive experience and skills, so you can rest assured that your car will be handled by the best in the industry.
For any inquiries or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us today!
