3 Signs Your Car’s Frame Is Bent After an Accident

One of the most significant concerns for car owners after an accident is damage to the vehicle’s frame. Damage to a car’s frame can occur in even minor collisions, so familiarize yourself with some of the most common warning signs your car’s frame is bent after an accident.

Sign #1: Misaligned Wheels

One of the most obvious signs of a damaged car frame comes from the wheels. If you can’t tell by looking at your vehicle’s exterior and undercarriage if the frame is bent, you should be able to tell while driving the vehicle after the accident.

When the wheels of a car are misaligned, the driver can typically tell right away because it makes the vehicle pull one way or the other. You should be able to tell just from the feedback of the steering wheel, or you can try briefly removing your hands from the wheel and seeing if the vehicle stays straight or pulls in one direction.

Pro Tip

Misaligned wheels also cause uneven tire wear, so you can also check your tires for signs of frame damage.

Sign #2: Unusual Noises

A bent car frame can cause many problems in a vehicle, and it’s not uncommon for those issues to make noises. If you’re driving and think you hear unusual noises from your vehicle, you’re not hearing things—it’s probably the bent frame.

A damaged car frame can cause various noises, from creaking to squeaking and almost anything else you can imagine from any part of the vehicle. While driving, turn off your radio and listen closely to your car for any odd noises.

Sign #3: Components Don’t Fit

Frame damage on a vehicle can also manifest in other parts of the car and how they fit with one another. A vehicle’s frame and overall structure are precise for components that lock into one another, like the hood, the doors, and the trunk.

A typical symptom of frame damage is when these components no longer fit or latch onto each other, causing the hood, trunk, or doors to hang loosely. If you’ve been having trouble with your hood and doors, it could be due to structural frame damage.

Now you should better understand warning signs that your car’s frame is bent after an accident. It’s dangerous to drive on a damaged frame, so if you need a frame or car bumper repair in Chicago, schedule an appointment with our expert technicians at River North Collision Repair!