What is Car Frame Damage?

Insurance Agent Examining Car After Accident

Your car frame is the foundation of your vehicle’s structural stability, and while it’s strong, it can easily sustain damage in an accident. So if you’ve been in a collision in New Albany or Pickerington, it’s important to know the signs of car frame damage. So, what is car frame damage? The experts in Columbus are here to help. In this guide, we walk you through the basics – including car frame damage cost and the consequences of leaving damage as-is. Feel free to reach out to us for more information, or schedule your service today! 

What are the Types of Frame Damage?

If you’re still not sure what is car frame damage, let’s dive into it. Your car frame is the structure that the entire car is built upon. It supports the whole body of the car, including all of the components and the entirety of the weight. Plus, it holds the most important component – the driver and passengers. “Frame damage” refers to any damage to this structure. Here are some examples:

  • Minor damage might occur if the exterior of the vehicle is damaged, but the structure remains intact. The body panels might be dented or the paint could be scuffed. The car frame damage repair cost will vary from a few hundred dollars to a thousand dollars.
  • Major damage will occur when the structure itself is damaged, including bent beams or twisted panels. The car frame damage repair cost can be quite expensive, often well over a thousand dollars.
  • Your car frame damage repair cost might also depend on your car type. The process of truck frame repair is different from passenger car repair, because of the differences in construction

Why is Car Frame Damage So Dangerous?

Whether dealing with truck frame repair or SUV repair around Gahanna, any frame damage should be inspected by a professional. A certified mechanic can identify not just the extent of visible damage, but also any hidden damage that might be present just below the surface. Your car may still be drivable, but if your car structure is compromised, it is no longer safe – and it might even be illegal to drive!

What are the Signs of Car Frame Damage?

The signs of car frame damage can be obvious or subtle, so here are some pointers to help you spot those red flags:

  • Steering: Your car might veer to one side after an accident. This is a sign that it is no longer aligned properly, which can cause issues with suspension over time.
  • Sagging: You might notice that the vehicle appears lower to the ground than normal because the entire body is sagging off of the frame. This can also cause problems with vehicle stability.
  • Squeaking: You might hear strange noises coming from the car as you drive. This means parts of your vehicle are rubbing together that shouldn’t be, and car or truck frame repair is needed.

Schedule Your Vehicle Repair at Byers Collision Center

Are you ready to bring your vehicle back to life? Or do you just need some advice about a possible repair? Contact us at Byers Collision Center to learn what we can do for you. You can also schedule your repair online whenever you’re ready!

Car frame

Yes and no. Often, car frame repair is possible. But sometimes, car frame repair is either too difficult or too costly to be worth the effort. If you’ve suffered frame damage on a car, it’s important to get your vehicle thoroughly inspected. But can you repair car frame damage? A good technician can tell you exactly where you stand, so you can make the best decision moving forward. And if you’re looking for an outstanding car frame shop near New Albany, allow the team at Byers Collision Center to go through the process with you!

What Does a Car Frame Do?

Your car’s frame, also known as the chassis, is important to your vehicle’s performance and safety. The frame is the metal structure that supports everything in the car. Not only does this include the powertrain and internal components, but also the driver and passenger seats. In the case of a collision, the car’s frame can absorb the impact to protect passengers from harm. But, this can bend and warp the chassis tremendously; resulting in significant frame damage on a car. Due to their design, unibody models often suffer more damage than body-on-frame models.

Can You Drive With Frame Damage?

After a collision, visit our car frame shop near Pickerington for a thorough vehicle inspection. Even if a car looks relatively normal to an untrained eye, it may not be structurally sound and safe to drive. And in many places, it might not even be legal to drive it home. Here are some telltale signs of frame damage on a car:

  • Visible body crumpling
  • Poorly fitting panels
  • Doors sticking
  • Steering wheel pulling
  • Strange rattles or squeaks
  • Excessive tire wear

How Does Car Frame Repair Work?

So, can you repair car frame damage? In minor cases, yes. If the car’s main structure is unscathed, a technician can use realignment and welding tools to complete this task. Technicians can also fix cosmetic damage like dents and paint correction, as well as by using replacement parts to restore the looks and functionality of the vehicle.

But if your car has suffered extreme damage, a car frame repair might not be worth it. Insurance companies often use a repair-to-value ratio, comparing the cost of repairs to the car’s value. It might be easier to deem the vehicle a total loss and find a new car. That’s why it’s a good idea to begin with an estimate before making any decisions.

Visit Byers Collision Center for All Your Car Frame Needs!

If you want to know more about your options, turn to the experts at our car frame shop near Gahanna. Contact us with any questions about car frame repair or get an estimate. We’re proud to be a trusted auto body shop with years of experience in Columbus, and we’d be happy to bring out the best in your vehicle!

Driver Making Phone Call After Accident

 

How much does it cost to straighten a car frame? That depends on the type and extent of the damage. Your car frame plays a huge role in your vehicle’s performance and safety, so it’s crucial to straighten the car frame with the proper tools and technique. Luckily, that’s where Byers Collision Center can help. Let’s go over what you need to know about typical car frame damage repair costs, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for an estimate in the New Albany or Pickerington area.

Understanding Car Frame Damage Repair Cost

Answering “How much does it cost to straighten a car frame?” can be tricky. The cost to straighten a car frame can range from $600 to $10,000 or more. That’s why estimates are so important. Was the damage mild or severe? Do you have a unibody or body-on-frame vehicle? And is insurance willing to lend a hand? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Damage Severity: Knowledgeable technicians can often straighten the car frame in the case of a mild collision using techniques like heat straightening, cold straightening, or hydraulic work. If the damage is significant, the frame may not be salvageable.
  • Vehicle Type: The car frame on a unibody sedan or SUV is one uniform piece, while a body-on-frame SUV or truck consists of two separate pieces. Unibody models are the most common vehicles on the road, but it’s much more difficult to straighten the car frame due to the interconnected design.
  • Parts Needed: If the frame is damaged, there’s a good chance that other parts of the car are also damaged. Replacing panels, mirrors, and lights will add to the overall car frame damage repair cost.
  • Insurance: Every insurance plan is a little different. We recommend filing a claim as soon as possible to see what types of services are covered. If the car frame damage repair cost is greater than the value of your vehicle, insurance might write off your vehicle as a total loss.

Get an Estimate at Byers Collision Center Today

How much does it cost to straighten a car frame near Gahanna? We’d love to give you an estimate, so contact us at any time. Our team is highly skilled in car and truck repairs, and we’d be happy to help you with all of your automotive service needs in the Columbus area.

2023 Toyota Camry with unibody frame


Most modern vehicles utilize what the industry calls a “unibody frame.” But, just what is a unibody frame? A unibody frame means that the chassis and the body of the car are joined together. This has a lot of benefits, including increased fuel efficiency and safer driving. But, the nature of this design can make repairs a little trickier in New Albany. Find out more about the unibody frame design, and get more repair information at Byers Collision Center in Columbus!

 

 

How Does the Unibody Frame Fare in Collisions?

A unibody frame is one unit, which can help to reduce the overall weight and height. This makes the car lighter, more nimble, and more efficient. However, it can also make collisions more complicated. Here are some of the challenges that you face when dealing with a unibody frame repair:

  • Because the chassis and body are joined as one, the damage from an impact will affect the entire frame. This is different than a body-on-frame design, where each component can be serviced separately.
  • Most vehicles are designed with crumple zones to route damage away from the driver and passengers in case of a collision. When one part of the frame is bent or broken, the entire structural integrity of the car is affected.
  • Damage may be obvious at first glance, or it might be more subtle. Because of this, it’s crucial to schedule an inspection before attempting to drive the car in Gahanna.

How Much is a Unibody Frame Repair?

So, how much can you expect to pay for your unibody frame repair? That depends on the damage. We price our unibody frame repairs based on the extent of damage, the frame material, and the labor needed to complete the repair properly. Minor repairs usually run between $600 and $1,000, while extensive repairs could cost upwards of $10,000. Some drivers would rather repair the damages and salvage the car, and others prefer to cut their losses and start shopping in Gahanna instead!

Schedule Your Unibody Frame Repair with Byers Collision Center

Now you know what is a unibody car and what repairs cost, but what if it’s time to schedule some service of your own? Feel free to contact us for more information and request an estimate. We’d love to help.

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