Almost all modern cars have a unibody structure. While durable, it can be easily damaged, even in minor accidents involving low speeds. This could lead to serious structural issues, like misalignment or damaged suspension systems. Read on to find out what a unibody is and what unibody repair entails.

A Brief Guide to Unibody Repair

What is a unibody?

The term “unibody” is short for “unitized body.” It is a type of body-frame construction in which the body of the vehicle is conjoined with the frame, forming a single structure. This is opposed to a subframe, or “body-on-frame” construction, where the body of the vehicle is mounted on a separate frame, commonly found in most trucks and SUVs.

How are unibodies different than subframes?

While both types serve to support and protect the internal parts of the vehicle, unibodies are much lighter and more rigid than subframes. Because they’re lighter, cars with unibodies are more fuel-efficient, but they’re also more susceptible to damage. They are designed to collapse upon impact, which helps it absorb the blow. Unfortunately, this makes it easy for it to suffer structural damage, and because their parts can’t be detached, the repair process is a specialized job. 

What does unibody repair involve?

When any part of the unibody frame is damaged, the entire body-frame structure is damaged due to the nature of its construction. For this reason, the repair process is an extremely involved one, and each instance is unique. Some parts can be replaced, requiring the damaged sections to be cut off entirely. Sometimes, specialized hydraulic tools must be used to straighten out bent areas or revert damage done to the frame. It all depends on the cause, location, and extent of the damage. 

If you’re looking for unibody repair experts you can trust, turn to Crone’s Auto Body in Covington, KY. Whether you need your bumper repaired or want to get your vehicle evaluated, this auto body shop will get the job done right. They offer a wide array of services, ranging from frame straightening to car painting. For more information,  visit their website or give them a call at (859) 356-1800.