Car accidents are one of the worst experiences a driver can have. Not only do they fear for the health and well-being of their passengers and those in the other car, but they also experience anxiety over the damage done to their vehicle. Will they be able to repair it, or will they have to send the scraps of their beloved car to the junkyard?
While damage to the car’s frame can be one of the worst things to happen during an accident, having the vehicle fully restored is often possible. Here, you can determine if collision repair from a Plano, TX, shop is worth it when the car’s frame has structural damage.
What Is Frame Damage?
The car’s frame is designed to support the weight of the vehicle and ensure the safety of the occupants in the event of a car crash. Damage to this structural support system of the vehicle compromises the safety of everyone in the car. Dents in the car’s outer panels are considered minor, while things like bent beams and crumpled panels are considered severe. However, any amount of damage to the car’s structural integrity can compromise the safety of the vehicle.
Can You Drive a Car That Has Frame Damage?
It is not safe to drive a car with frame damage because it poses a risk to the driver, passengers, and other occupants of the road. Driving a damaged vehicle can also cause other mechanical problems to develop, which would only increase your repair costs.
Types of Frame Damage
There are three common forms of frame damage your car may sustain after an accident: a twisted frame, a mashed frame, or sway damage.
Twisted Frame
It can be hard to tell if your car has a twisted frame if you are not trained to spot the telltale signs of this type of damage. However, you may be able to detect gaps in the vehicle’s body, which often indicate a twisted frame. You may also notice the car seems to lean in a specific direction or be unstable at increased speeds. An auto body professional can repair the structure by using frame straighteners.
Mashed Frame
Mash damage is used to describe the shape of the vehicle after a head-on collision or hit from the rear. The frame folds in on itself like an accordion, resulting in a shorter unibody frame than the manufacturer’s specifications. An auto shop might be able to fix the bent car frame if only one section of the car was damaged. This section can simply be replaced.
Sway Damage
This type of damage to the frame occurs when the vehicle is t-boned or hit on one of the corners. The frame will bend to the left or right, and then the car will drift to this side while being driven. As you drive, the car will vibrate and have driveshaft complications. The best way to fix this damage is to have an auto body shop use a frame straightening machine.
When Should You Replace a Car Over Repairing?
In most cases, car frame repairs are possible. However, you will have to consider personally if you can afford to fix the vehicle or if you should let it go and move on to a new car. If the cost of repairs is greater than the vehicle’s value, it may be time to say goodbye. If you can bear to let your precious car go and the frame is not in several pieces, you can consider fixing it rather than replacing it.
Does Your Car Have Frame Damage? We Can Help!
If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you likely have a lot on your mind. Let our team of auto repair technicians handle your vehicle’s frame damage, so you can focus on recovering from the accident. We’ll thoroughly examine your vehicle and suggest the best car frame repair solutions.
For more information about our collision repair services, including seat belt repair in Dallas, TX, and the surrounding areas, contact us today! We’ll get your car looking brand-new in no time.