It is extremely important to learn how to recognize frame damage as cars that have frame damage are often totaled out. Frame damage may disguise itself as a number of other issues or remain unnoticeable at first, but it can be a major problem. It creates a possibility of catastrophic failure, major accidents, and decreased control – all while causing additional wear and tear to your vehicle’s other parts and systems.
Signs Your Vehicle Might Have Frame Damage
1. Visible Damage
After a collision, check the underside of your car for cracks, excessive rust, or creases along the frame. Bending may be more difficult to detect but if you notice that the frame on one side of your vehicle is not symmetrical with what you see on the other side, you likely have an issue. Also, be sure to check your doors and panels. If your doors no longer fit properly or if there are gaps in any of your panels, your frame is probably bent.
2. Vehicle Pulls To One Side (Especially after an alignment)
Any time you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or another or if you find that your steering wheel is harder to turn, you likely need an alignment. However, if you have had an alignment recently or if you notice this issue combined with other issues on this list, you will need to take your vehicle to a professional to inspect the frame.
3. Listen To Your Vehicle
If you can feel or hear cracking, creaking, or unusual vibrations that seem to be coming from the underside of your vehicle, you could have a major problem on your hands. These sounds might seem unimportant, but failing to get them checked could create much bigger issues.
4. Uneven Wear
If your tires or shocks seem to be wearing faster on one side than the other, you likely either need a tire rotation or an alignment. However, if you’re experiencing some of the other issues on this list or if you’re up to date on rotations and alignments, you likely have frame damage. If you are not sure, it is best to ere on the side of caution and get your frame checked.
What To Do If You Think Your Frame Is Damaged
If you think your frame could be damaged, you need to take it to a reputable autobody shop. Sometimes frame damage can be difficult to detect and if any corners are cut during the inspection process, it can create additional problems. To be safe, we highly recommend you take your vehicle to a Class-A autobody shop as Class-A shops are required to meet strict standards of quality and technical training.
As one of the few Class-A Certified autobody shops in Rhode Island, Reliable Collision Repair is a trusted expert to handle the appraisal of damages to your vehicle whether that means inspecting frame damage or other possible autobody issues. With over 2 decades in business, we understand that whenever your vehicle needs major autobody repair, it can feel like your life has been turned upside down. That’s why we do everything we can to get you back on the road.
Whether you know that your vehicle needs repairs or if you’re just not sure, you can trust our experienced team to take a look and point you in the right direction. Just give us a call at (401) 823-4770 or schedule an appointment with us through Carwise.
For situations in which your vehicle cannot be driven to us due to damages, we offer towing and accident recovery services as well as car rental services when needed.
