After getting into a car accident, most people step outside to examine the frame of their car. It may not be totaled, but some minor damage can seem too expensive to repair. However, after a few drives, you may begin to notice that the car does not feel the same. Perhaps it no longer drives in a straight line or it makes a loud or annoying noise that was not there before. It is actually common in the aftermath of car accidents that the damage on the inside is worse than it appears on the outside. The frame of the car is responsible for protecting you, and if damage goes unrepaired, you might be put in significant danger if you are in another accident. Here are some tips on how to tell if your car needs a frame repair.
How To Know Whether Your Car Has Frame Damage
It might be hard to ascertain at first how bad the damage to your vehicle is or if it is worth repairing at all. While a crushed bumper is an obvious sign that your car has frame damage, some major damage might not be as noticeable. However, after an accident, you should thoroughly inspect the frame of your car. The damage might be far worse than what you can see in a passing glance.
The most visible signs of car frame damage are bending, warping and indentations. Your car might have parts, like the hood or your doors, that no longer close well because of the damage. However, these are not the only visible signs of ill-fitting components. Bolts and mounts might also no longer fit or they may even fall out because of the damage to the car frame. Even though these features are easy to overlook, the damage to bolts or mounts can lead to even more issues with the car’s frame. Cracking, creasing and rusting along the frame are also difficult to spot and will also cause additional trouble if they go unrepaired.
Additionally, accidents can cause damage to the underbelly of the car. After an accident, you should check underneath your car to make sure that there is nothing missing or bent. Make sure to bring a flashlight with you so that you can inspect everything closely. If anything underneath is damaged as a result of the accident, you should visit a professional. A damaged underbelly can lead to serious issues with your car.
Less Noticeable Signs Of Car Damage
The car may look largely undamaged overall, with the exception of a few scrapes, but that does not mean that you are free from serious damage. If you notice that, after the accident, your car veers towards one direction, you are most likely in need of a realignment. However, there are instances in which an alignment does not fully correct the car’s inability to drive in a straight line. A professional might be needed to inspect for smaller damages interfering with your car’s steering.
Even if the exterior of your car is visibly intact, unusual noises coming from your car might indicate bigger problems. Ignoring the noises can lead to more expensive repairs later.
The shocks and suspension might degrade as the result of wear or damage to the frame. The system is designed to distribute the weight of your car evenly. However, because of car frame damage, the shocks and suspension might overcompensate on one side of your car because of damage on the other side. This will cause the system to wear down faster and might make your car less stable. A poor shock and suspension system can easily lead to a higher chance of an accident. A damaged suspension system might lead to your tire tread becoming uneven as well. Uneven tread can cause difficulty gripping the road, which is especially dangerous in poor weather.
Rely On The Experts For More Info On How To Tell If Your Car Needs A Frame Repair
While your car might be drivable in the aftermath of an accident, the damage caused by an accident might lead to even more issues in the future. While it is tempting to put off repairs because the vehicle still operates, ignoring your car’s damage can easily result in much more expensive repairs in the future, including an increased potential for dangerous accidents. An auto body specialist can not only identify potential issues but also swiftly repair them.
Robs Customs & Restorations would be happy to examine your vehicle and determine if frame damage has occurred, whether as the result of an accident or simply due to wear and rust over time. Reach out to schedule an appointment with an experienced technician who can advise you on how to keep your vehicle safe and operational for as long as possible.