Should You Straighten Your Vehicle's Frame? Here's How To Tell

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After a car crash, one of the major concerns among car owners is whether their vehicle has a bent frame. Depending on the impact of the collision, the damage to the frame may be easy to identify. Still, it can go unnoticed sometimes, resulting in significant damage down the road. Understand that the car frame helps protect the vehicle's internal components and passengers in case of an accident. So, it's crucial to know when your car needs frame straightening. Check out the key things worth paying attention to.

Vehicle Components Don't Fit Properly

One of the easiest ways to determine whether you have a bent frame is by checking how your vehicle components fit along the frame. For instance, if your door doesn't close properly and there aren't any issues with the door frame and latches, it's a sign you need professional frame straightening. Additionally, you may notice gaps along your door frame when you shut the door.

Your Suspension System Has Signs of Wear and Tear

When your vehicle's frame is in great shape, it's supposed to distribute weight evenly on the suspension system. Therefore, if it bends following a collision, more of your car's weight will be on one side than the other. This can damage parts of your suspension, like the shocks and struts, resulting in excessive vibrations when you drive. You may also have difficulty controlling your steering wheel, even at low speeds.

Your Vehicle's Wheels Are Misaligned

The bending of your car frame can result in wheel misalignment. If this problem isn't visible when you inspect the car's interior, it should be quick to tell when you drive. Usually, when driving a vehicle with misaligned wheels, it will keep pulling to one side. However, if you don't experience this, be on the lookout for uneven wear on your car's tires because it's a sign your vehicle requires frame straightening.

Odd Sounds Coming from Your Car

After a crash, it's not unusual to hear strange noises coming out of your car. You likely have a bent frame if you hear loud squeaking and creaking noises from your engine while driving. That being the case, you should take your car to a reputable auto body repair expert from a trusted collision center for detailed inspection and repairs.

Following a vehicle collision, your car frame may become damaged even if it appears in great shape. If you aren't sure whether you should seek professional help from a reputable collision center, watch out for the warning signs mentioned above. For more information, contact a collision center near you.

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