You will notice the signs of a bent car frame right away. Your car will not handle properly, the body panels will be misaligned, and the suspension will feel off.
If you suspect frame damage, call Cutting Edge Collision Center. We provide professional collision repair in Tucson, AZ, and can fix your frame quickly so you can get back on the road. Discover six common signs to look for after an accident.
1. You Notice Visible Frame Damage or Distortion
Use a flashlight to check under the car for bends, cracks, or creases in the metal. Look straight down one of the frame supports. Does anything seem misaligned?
Even if everything looks fine, there may be small imperfections that only a professional can detect. After an accident, bring your vehicle to a trusted mechanic who can make sure your car is structurally sound.
2. The Car Has Misaligned Body Panels
If your doors, hood, or trunk have uneven gaps, your car frame may have shifted. Take a few steps back and check if everything lines up evenly.
Try opening and closing the doors and trunk. If they stick or feel hard to latch, the frame may be bent.
If you notice misaligned panels, call an expert. They can check for frame damage and realign the panels if necessary.
3. Evidence of Uneven Tire Wear
Check the tread on all four tires. If one side of a tire appears more worn than the other, your car may not be making full contact with the road. This could mean frame misalignment affects the suspension.
Even after a wheel alignment, ongoing uneven wear can be a sign of frame damage. If you see this, have your car inspected as soon as possible.
4. You Experience Suspension and Alignment Problems
Park your car on a level surface and step back to check if it leans. A bent frame can throw off your suspension and cause one side to sit lower than the other.
Look at all four corners. If one sits noticeably lower than the others, there could be structural damage.
5. Noticeable Steering and Handling Issues
A bent frame can make your car harder to control. If it pulls to one side even when the steering wheel is straight, the frame may be misaligned.
You might also feel vibrations through the steering wheel, seats, or floorboards. This happens when weight distribution is off.
6. You Hear Unusual Noises While Driving
When turning or going over bumps, listen for creaking, groaning, or clunking noises. These sounds could indicate frame misalignment. Rattling or scraping from underneath the car means that parts are shifting due to a warped frame.
Steer Clear of Future Trouble With Cutting Edge Collision Center
Frame damage can happen even without a collision. If you notice any signs of a bent car frame, call Cutting Edge Collision Center. We can assess the damage, give you a collision repair timeline, and get you back on the road ASAP.
Call us today at 520-339-6901 to book a service.