Even a seemingly minor collision can cause more damage to your vehicle than meets the eye, especially when it comes to the frame. At Scandinavian Coachcraft, we specialize in precision repairs for European and luxury vehicles, and one of the most common questions we get is:
“How do I know if my car’s frame is damaged?”
In this post, we’ll explain how to recognize the signs of frame damage, why it matters, and what to do next if you suspect your vehicle’s structural integrity is compromised.
🚨 Why Frame Damage Is a Big Deal
Your car’s frame (also called the unibody in most modern vehicles) is essentially its skeleton, it supports everything from the engine and suspension to the doors and windows. If it’s bent or cracked, it can affect safety, alignment, tire wear, and the car’s ability to protect you in another accident.
🔍 Signs Your Car Might Need Frame Repair
1. Visible Damage Under the Vehicle
If you look underneath your car and see twisted metal, cracks, or weld marks that weren’t there before, it’s a strong sign of frame damage. Modern frames are built to crumple in specific ways during a crash, so even a small impact can cause structural issues.
2. Misaligned Wheels or Uneven Tire Wear
If your steering pulls to one side, or your tires are wearing down unevenly, it could be due to frame misalignment. These are red flags that your suspension and frame might not be sitting where they’re supposed to.
3. Doors, Hood, or Trunk Don’t Close Properly
After a crash, if your doors suddenly don’t shut evenly or the hood looks slightly off, it may be because the frame has shifted. Misalignment affects how body panels fit together.
4. Unusual Noises or Handling
Creaks, squeaks, or rattles, especially when driving over bumps or turning, can point to frame or suspension issues. Likewise, if the car feels unstable or loose, that’s worth inspecting.
5. Your Airbags Deployed
Even if you don’t see external damage, a deployed airbag means the crash met a certain threshold of force. This often indicates that the vehicle structure absorbed significant impact and should be inspected thoroughly.
🔧 How We Check for Frame Damage
At Scandinavian Coachcraft, we use computerized frame measurement systems to inspect your car down to the millimeter. This ensures we can identify even the slightest misalignment, something visual inspection alone might miss.
If we do find damage, we use factory-approved straightening equipment and OEM repair procedures to return your vehicle to pre-accident condition, especially critical for high-performance and European vehicles like BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, Audi, and more.
✅ What You Should Do Next
If you’ve been in an accident, even a low-speed one, don’t assume your car is fine just because it “looks okay.” Get a professional inspection from a certified collision repair shop.
Why Choose Scandinavian Coachcraft?
- Specialized in European & luxury vehicles
- Certified technicians using OEM repair procedures
- Precision frame diagnostics & alignment
- Insurance welcome, but you choose the shop
📞 Schedule a Frame Inspection Today
Not sure if your car needs frame repair? Let us take a look.
📍 Visit us at 2234 Colby Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90064
📞 Call 310.479.5171
🌐 Or book online at https://scandinaviancc.com/
Scandinavian Coachcraft — Where craftsmanship meets collision repair.