A frame can bend due to several different reasons, though the typically reason is due to a collision. If you have purchased a vehicle and think it might have a bent frame, or if your vehicle has been in a collision and you’re not sure but suspect you might have a bent frame, this article will be helpful to you.
What are some of the signs I need to be aware of?
Here are some of the biggest signs to watch out for if you think your vehicle might have a bent frame.
Alignment is off and is difficult to maintain. If you’re having trouble with your alignment and can’t figure out why, it might be due to a bent frame – especially if your vehicle was recently involved in an accident. A bent frame is going to make it difficult to achieve a good alignment and will need to be fixed or else your tires could suffer the consequences.
Obvious physical damage. There is some obvious damage you’ll be able to see to suggest a bent frame. On older vehicles, cracked rusting is indicative of a frame that has stressed and moved over time. Twisting and obviously not straight and uneven lines could be indicative of a bent frame as well.
Pull to one side while driving. While driving down the road your car might seem to have a pull to one side or the other, caused by a bent frame. Depending on how severe the bend is, the pull could be dramatic.
Strange and unexplainable noises, especially when turning. Some frames might create some noise, especially when the added stress of a turn is applied. If you can’t figure out what’s causing some creaking and cracking when you make a turn, it might be a frame problem.
Crab walking tire tracks. Take a look at your tire tracks in the snow, or in the dirt. Normal tire tracks will go directly straight ahead, side by side. A car with a bent frame is likely to have tire tracks that show more of a crab walk, or a nearly diagonal shuffle of the tires side-by-side.
A bent frame can lead to all sorts of additional problems if left unchecked for a long time. Tires will wear down at a much faster pace. Vehicles with bent frames are also just less safe when they aren’t operating appropriately.
When you need someone to help with a bent frame contact Downtown Autobody at 707 665 9100 to have one of our experienced auto body technicians look at your vehicle.
