Your car’s frame provides strength and support for key components as well as protection to occupants. Normally a sturdy, resilient structure, the frame can suffer several forms of damage following an accident or impact. This can compromise your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, stability, and safety unless frame straightening is scheduled to restore it. Find out more about the most common types of frame damage and how to repair them in the list below.

An Introduction to Vehicle Frame Damage

1. Sway Damage

Sway damage can occur after your frame has been impacted on one of its corners. This form of damage is typically easier to detect since it will result in your car leaning noticeably in one direction. 

Sway damage may make it difficult or impossible to drive your car in a straight line and can cause vibrations as you travel. Unless repaired with professional frame straightening, this form of misalignment can cause transmission damage or failure.

2. Sagging & Twisting

A sagging frame often results in visible gaps in the body of your car. This is a rare form of frame damage typically resulting from improper assembly or frame repairs. Due to the uneven weight distribution caused by the gaps, your car’s components will lean into the weakened area. Over time, this can force your tires and suspension springs to wear out prematurely under the added strain.

Twisting is a related issue but harder to spot than sagging. Common symptoms of twisting include the car leaning to one side, instability at high speeds, and difficulty making turns. Because the twisted components are concealed within the car’s body, a specialist will need to inspect for damage.

3. Mashed Frame

Mashed frame damage commonly occurs after a rear-end or head-on collision forces the frame to crumple in on itself. This is often marked by wrinkles or deformities in the hood, trunk, or bumpers, or by a vehicle length shorter than the manufacturer’s specifications. Unless corrected with professional frame straightening, a mashed frame can cause swaying, sagging, or twisting in other parts.

If your vehicle has suffered frame damage in a recent accident, get in touch with Hy-Gloss Paint & Body Shop in Chester, SC, for professional frame straightening and repairs. For over three decades, this local collision and paint repair shop has been trusted by area residents for professional restoration to preserve the appearance and performance of damaged vehicles. Call (803) 377-1318 to schedule service, or visit their website to learn more about how they can help.