Whether you take any interest in vehicles as a hobby or you simply need your car to get from point A to point B, it is still important that you have a basic understanding about how these machines work. If you are driving and begin to hear odd noises, or if the car starts behaving unusually, it is helpful to be able to quickly go through possibilities about whether continuing to drive is dangerous based on your knowledge.
The good news is that cars are not, in many ways, as complex as they may seem. However, any part of them—including the frame that holds them together—can become damaged, and if you suspect that the frame of your vehicle has sustained some form of problem, it is important that you reach out to an auto body shop as soon as possible.
What Does The Frame Do In A Car?
The frame of a car serves much like the skeleton in the human body. It is the firm outline on which the rest of the car’s parts are attached and fit together. A unibody frame refers to a specific type of frame in which the body and chassis of the vehicle are all one piece. Body on frame, on the other hand, is a rarer but sturdier type of frame, which describes a situation in which the bulk of the vehicle’s parts and components sit on top of a rigid structure on the bottom. If you operate a truck or large SUV, you may have this type of frame, while most cars use unibody. The frame keeps your car together and provides structure and resilience against vibrations and shock.
How Frames Become Damaged And What “Damaged” Means
Car frames can become damaged in a variety of ways, some of which may seem relatively benign. Naturally, a collision with another car or even with an inanimate object such as a pole or curb could cause issues for your frame, but even something as minor as hitting a deep pothole or constantly driving on a poorly maintained road could spell trouble for your frame.
This is especially true if your vehicle is prone to rust, as rusting can make your frame brittle and more prone to damage. A damaged frame refers to when the supporting structures of your vehicle are compromised in a way that makes your car or truck unsafe to operate. You may not visibly be able to see frame damage, but there are symptoms that indicate it is there nonetheless.
Symptoms Indicating Potential Frame Damage
Frame damage can come in many forms, from holes and rusting to bends and dents. If you can see a visible bend, you can be relatively sure that your frame is compromised. However, unusual sounds that start out of nowhere, wear on your tires that are uneven between all four and even a car door that no longer snugly closes could all indicate that your frame has been damaged.
Similarly, if you are driving and find that your vehicle cannot maintain a straight line, especially after a wheel alignment, or your car suddenly moves to one side and then seems fine for a while, the frame area may have suffered damage and should be looked at before a dangerous situation occurs.
Can Frame Damage Be Repaired?
The good news is that frame damage to your vehicle can generally be repaired, especially if you visit an auto body shop as soon as possible after you notice symptoms. The longer you continue to drive without fixing your frame, the more likely you are to cause further damage. Auto body shops with experience in frame repair have specialized, powerful tools to bend your frame back into shape so that you can opt for a repair rather than a full replacement—of either the frame itself or your entire vehicle.
It is important that you leave this task to the experts, because temporarily patching or self-modifying your frame not only voids the warranty but also puts you at significant risk of physical harm should your frame fail while you are driving.
Trust The Experts To Assist You With Saving Your Vehicle After Frame Damage
Whether you are certain that you have sustained frame damage to your car or you are simply wondering if something may be wrong, the experts can help. The professionals at Robs Customs & Restorations would be happy to take a look at your frame and help you understand all your options. Reach out to schedule an appointment to share your car’s condition or to ask any questions that you may have.