Everything You Need to Know About Automotive Frame Straightening

Accidents can leave your car severely damaged. Automotive frame straightening can restore the structure of your vehicle and make it safe for driving again.

Discover all the basics about this automotive service and turn to Tucson’s collision repair experts at Formula 1 Collision Center when you sustain frame damage.

Types of Car Frames

There are three types of frames that can make up your car’s structure:

• Ladder frame: Ladder frames are stand-alone structures that are common on trucks, SUVs, vans, and antique cars. 
• Unibody frame: Most modern sedans, minivans, and crossovers feature a unibody frame that welds the car’s body and frame together. 
• Spaceframe: A spaceframe is an enhanced type of unibody typical in luxury cars. 

The build of the frame and the type of vehicle it adorns can impact how a collision repair specialist straightens it.

What Is Automotive Frame Straightening?

Frame straightening involves restoring the car frame to its original structure. This process uses a specialized machine with lasers to measure and realign the frame to its original factory specifications. From there, mechanics increase tension on chains fixed to the frame to realign it. 

When complete, the car should look like it did before a collision. 

When Should You Seek Frame Straightening Service?

Any driver in an accident with noticeable damage should receive frame repairs for their car. This includes front-end collisions, corner hits, or rear-end collisions that can crumple the frame inward.

Car accident statistics show that Arizona ranks among the most dangerous states for motorists, leaving a higher chance that you will need to receive automotive frame straightening. Getting your frame back into alignment improves your car’s aesthetic and is necessary for safe driving. Frame damage can cause strange noises while operating the car and uneven shock absorption. 

Does Car Frame Straightening Repair All Damage?

Getting your frame straightened after a car accident can restore the look of any dents and damage. However, it is not always a be-all, end-all solution. Any impact on a car will compromise its structure, safety, and function.  

When bringing your car for a frame straightening service, your technician should inspect all the damage to the vehicle, not just its frame. A frame straightening job will return your car to its manufacturer’s specifications. However, it doesn’t mean you aren’t susceptible to future damage. 

Does Frame Straightening Make Cars Safe to Drive?

Cars that undergo frame straightening from a qualified technician are safe to drive again. Being in an accident will make you especially mindful of safe driving. You can have peace of mind that when you straighten the frame, your car can keep you safe each time you get behind the wheel.

The precision of returning the vehicle to its factory specifications enhances the safety of the driver and passengers. 

Contact a Car Frame Straightening Expert

When you need automotive frame straightening and other services provided by an acclaimed auto body shop, turn to the experts at Formula 1 Collision Center. Call (520) 369-4291 for an estimate on frame straightening services.