Consider the human frame, which has a skeleton that is formed by bones that support our entire body. If any part of our skeleton is damaged and repairing it is possible, that is what we do. In the same way, if the frame (core support) of your vehicle is damaged, you should ensure that it is repaired because it acts as structural support for other important parts of your vehicle. Just as we hope we never have to deal with major damage to our bodies, we also cringe at the thought of being faced with having to repair damage to our car’s framework. The reality is, just as accidents can happen that cause our bodies to need repair, so do accidents that require repairing our vehicle’s frame.
What is frame damage?
When your vehicle has been struck or damaged with enough energy at critical points, frame damage will occur. The frame is an essential part of your car, and it makes such things as keeping doors aligned and providing support for the motor of your vehicle possible. Modern vehicles are built to withstand most of the impact from both minor and serious collisions, and have places known as “crumple zones.” These crumple zones prevent passengers from bearing the brunt of the damage, but sometimes the result is that your car’s frame is affected.
Why do you need to fix your frame?
Failing to repair damage to your frame can be a safety hazard for you and others on the road. Because the frame is such an integral part of the vehicle, it’s important to never compromise your safety or the safety of others. Internal damage may also exist after an accident. Parts of your car’s inner workings like the radiator or steering column may sustain damage that it is best to let only a professional assess and repair. Any body shop worth its salt will use professional grade tools and measuring equipment to restore your vehicle as close to its original shape as possible.
Talk to a professional before trusting the myths
Before you put your vehicle out to pasture, talk to an auto body professional about the feasibility of repairing your damaged frame. One general myth about the subject is that unibody frame damage always results in the car being a total loss. Like so many other aspects of life, technology has provided a way to dispel that myth. In most cases, any skilled auto body technician can correct extensive frame damage with the right tools, keeping your care from ending up as a write-off. In fact, even with significant frame damage, because of the unibody construction on newer vehicles, the cost for repair will usually be less than most people think. Despite what the name infers, frames on modern cars come in pieces, so even if one section of the frame is totaled, whole frame doesn’t have to be a total loss. The damaged sections of the frame can be replaced, while the rest of the frame remains untouched, making it economically sound to repair.
Final thoughts
Frame damage to your car does not have to mean excessive repair costs, and it doesn’t mean that you will have to get rid of your car. If your frame has been affected by a recent accident, Downtown Autobody in Rohnert Park can assist you in determining the best course of action to take. We will work with you and your insurer to find out if the repair is worth the trouble and the cost. If you decide to have the damage repaired, our state-of-the-art equipment can get you back on the road in no time.