It’s no secret that car accidents can significantly damage a vehicle, and frame damage is one of the most critical issues to address. To ensure the safety and integrity of the repaired vehicle, you have to inspect the vehicle’s frame for damage. After all, any instability makes the car unsafe to drive. How do you identify and assess frame damage so you can make informed repair decisions? Keep reading as we guide you through how to inspect frame damage on a car. We’ll cover the five types of frame damage you might encounter, and we’ll explain how to identify frame issues and make sure the vehicle remains safe and roadworthy. Left unchecked, frame damage can lead to problems with alignment, handling, and even the overall safety of the vehicle. Understanding Car Frame Damage What is car frame damage, and what are its common causes? How can frame damage affect vehicle safety and performance? Car frame damage occurs when a vehicle’s structural support system is compromised after an accident or another impact. The frame damage can range from minor bends to severe breaks, which negatively impact the car’s ability to maintain its shape and function. Car frame damage is caused by collisions, off-road driving or hitting curbs and potholes. Once the frame is damaged, the vehicle can become misaligned, which causes tire wear and poor handling, which in turn can compromise the safety of the vehicle. An intact frame is, therefore, essential to the car’s overall safety and longevity. 5 Types of Frame Damage on a Car All types of frame damage are not the same. There are varying degrees of damage, and each affects the vehicle in different ways. Understanding the different types of frame damage will help you identify the extent of the damage. The knowledge will also help you determine the necessary repairs. Minor Frame Damage Minor frame damage – including small dents, scratches or slight bends in the frame – does not significantly affect the vehicle’s structural integrity. Often occurring in low-speed collisions or minor impacts like fender benders, minor frame damage can be identified by small dents or scratches in the frame, slight misalignments of body panels, or minor bends that might be barely noticeable. Related Products: Import Clips Retaining Clips & Domestic Fasteners Body Hardware Moderate Frame Damage Noticeable bends and dents that affect a vehicle's alignment and handling are considered moderate frame damage. Often the result of a more significant collision or repeated minor impacts, moderate damage can be identified by visible bends or dents in the frame, misalignment of doors, hood or trunk, uneven gaps between body panels or a vehicle pulling to one side while driving. Severe Frame Damage Severe frame damage significantly compromises a vehicle’s structural integrity. Occurring from high-speed collisions or major accidents, this damage can render a vehicle unsafe to drive without substantial repair. You can identify severe frame damage by large, visible bends or breaks in the frame, major misalignment of body panels and doors, difficulty closing doors, hood or trunk, or a noticeable change in the vehicle’s handling and stability Twisted Frame Damage When a vehicle experiences a rollover or a severe side impact, twisted frame damage – when the vehicle’s frame is twisted and distorted – can be the result. Twisted frame damage can be a challenge to detect without the proper tools and expertise, but ultimately it can be identified by uneven gaps between body panels, doors hood and trunk that don’t properly close, a visible distortion of the frame’s shape, or even the vehicle leaning to one side. Mashed Frame Damage Mashed frame damage occurs when the vehicle’s frame is crushed or compressed, often the result of a head-on or rear-end collision. Mashed frame damage can severely impact a car’s ability to absorb shocks and protect passengers. If you are concerned your vehicle might have a mashed frame, look for crumpled or crushed sections, significant misalignment of the entire vehicle, buckled or twisted body panels and a noticeable impact on the vehicle’s handling and ride quality. Steps to Inspect Car Frame Damage Are you trying to determine if your vehicle has frame damage? Sometimes frame damage is obvious, but other times the issues are hidden from sight. If you need to determine possible frame damage, follow a few basic steps: Step 1: Initial Visual Inspection: Start by checking the vehicle for visible signs of damage. Look for any misalignment or gaps, and make sure you inspect the undercarriage. Step 2: Measure the Frame: Using a measuring tape or frame measurement tools, measure the frame. Compare the measurements to the manufacturer’s specifications. Step 3: Check for Rust and Corrosion: Check for spots of rust or corrosion. Identifying areas prone to rust after an accident can indicate structural damage. Step 4: Examine the Suspension and Wheels: Inspect the vehicle’s suspension components. You also should examine the wheel alignment and condition. Uneven wear on the tires can indicate misalignment. Step 5: Professional Inspection: If you’re unsure about the integrity of your vehicle’s frame, it’s best to seek professional help rather than risk further damage. Related Products: Foamy Rust Penetrant Rust Preventative Paint - Black Extreme Coat Rust Converter Useful Tips for Inspecting Car Frame Damage Still unsure about inspecting your car frame for damage? The following useful tips will help you accurately assess possible damage to your vehicle’s frame. Use Proper Lighting: To make sure you have good visibility during inspection, make sure you examine the vehicle under proper lighting. Take Detailed Notes and Photos: To properly evaluate all damage, take detailed notes and even photos to document all findings for reference. Use a Checklist: Create an organized checklist to keep track of all inspection points. Don’t Ignore Minor Damage: You never know what minor detail might be indicative of damage to your vehicle’s frame. Even small issues can lead to bigger problems down the line. Regular Maintenance: Frame damage can develop over time. Conduct regular checks to prevent long-term damage. Drill bits, fasteners and other tools play crucial roles in repairing vehicle frame damage. When they repair car frames, professionals often need to remove, replace or reinforce sections of them. Choose products from ROGO Fastener Co.. We guarantee quality automotive applications designed to meet working standards of safety and performance.
