Written by: Wrecktify
Just as humans have bones that help support their bodies, cars have frames that do the same thing. And just as how broken bones need to heal, frames may need to be fixed and straightened. Read on for more information about car frame damage and what you should do about it.
What is a Car Frame?
Simply put, the car frame is the structure that supports the car. Also commonly known as its chassis, car frames are made of heavy-duty materials like steel, aluminum, or even titanium in some cases. The frame plays an important role beyond just supporting the vehicle and all of its components - it's also crucial to your safety when you get behind the wheel. That's because if you're ever in an accident, it's the frame that often takes the brunt of the force. While frame damage may occur, a strong frame can help protect the driver and any passengers.
What is Car Frame Damage?
As the name implies, car frame damage is any incident where the frame bends, twists, or incurs some sort of impairment. If you're ever in an accident, there's a decent chance that your vehicle may have sustained frame damage. Frame damage may also come with simply driving the vehicle over a long period and enduring the wear and tear of regular driving. Frame damage may also occur if you've hit a pothole or collided with any other object.
Is it Safe to Drive with Car Frame Damage?
It depends. If it's just minor frame damage, then chances are you're probably OK to drive with it - at least in the near term. But if your frame has become too significantly damaged, then you're putting both your vehicle and the safety of yourself and any passengers at risk.
Additionally, driving with a damaged frame may be illegal depending on where you live. Many states enforce damaged car laws, which make it illegal to drive a vehicle that has sustained a certain level of damage due to the perceived threat that you pose to yourself and others on the road.
Bottom line: It's probably OK to drive a car with minor frame damage, but your best course of action after an accident or non-vehicle collision is to have your car inspected by a professional mechanic.
Signs Your Car Frame is Damaged
Outside of a visual inspection to either diagnose or confirm frame damage, there are several signs to be on the lookout for that could indicate damage to your car frame.
These include:
- Uneven tire tread wear: Notice that some of your tires are wearing faster than others? If you're routinely rotating your tires per manufacturer recommendations and you notice this problem, it could be indicative of frame damage.
- The wheels don't align straight: Rear wheels not following in line with the front wheels? A bent frame could be the culprit.
- Panels aren't fitting properly: Notice larger than normal seams around the door, trunk, windows, and hood? It's probably not your imagination.
- Hearing odd noises: If you simply just listen to your vehicle - literally - then you can often detect if there's an issue or not. Frame damage is no exception. Rattles and squeaks, especially if you hear them as you're driving, could be a sign of frame damage.
- Steering pulls in one direction: If the steering is pulling to one side or the other and your car is not out of alignment, the frame should be the next thing you check.
The Different Types of Car Frame Damage
There are different types of frame damage - and they largely depend on how the frame damage was incurred. Here's a look at the different types of car frame damage:
Mash Damage
Mash damage occurs after a head-on collision or when your vehicle is hit from the rear. It happens when the frame folds in on itself.
Sway Damage
Sway damage is often what's incurred if your vehicle gets T-boned or hit in one of its corners. Sway damage happens when the frame bends to either the left or the right.
Sagging/Twisted Frame
This happens if a car has been hit from the side and the frame becomes uneven.
Common Causes of Frame Damage
As we've mentioned throughout this post, there are a few notable ways frame damage occurs. Some are obvious - and some may not be as obvious. Here's a look:
- Accident or collision
- Wear and tear
- Poor maintenance (i.e., rust buildup)
- Extreme weather
You've Discovered Frame Damage: Now What?
If you've discovered any type of frame damage, the best thing you can do is take it to a repair shop for a thorough inspection. Based on the result of the inspection, you may elect to either repair the frame damage or not repair the frame damage.
When to Repair
If your vehicle has sustained minor frame damage and it isn't costly to repair, then it probably makes sense to repair it. In most cases, frame damage can be repaired - it's just a matter of whether it's worth it to repair such damage, noting the extent and cost of the damage.
When Not to Repair
You shouldn't repair frame damage if the cost of repairing the damage is more than the worth of the vehicle itself. When this is the case, the car is considered "totaled." There may also be situations when frame damage is so severe that it's unable to be repaired.
Measures You Can Take to Avoid Frame Damage
Aside from committing to safe driving practices to better avoid accidents and the potential of hitting curbs, potholes, or other objects, there are a few other things you can do:
- Have your vehicle regularly inspected, especially its suspension and alignment.
- Don't drive with too much weight in your vehicle.
- Take measures to prevent rust from developing on your vehicle.
Store your vehicle properly to avoid extreme weather.
Is Your Car Frame Wrecked? Let us Rectify it Today!
If your car frame has sustained damage, contact Wrecktify Collision today for a thorough inspection.
207 Hoesly Drive, New Glarus, WI 53574
608.527.2246