After an accident, even if your vehicle looks fine on the outside, there could be serious damage underneath. One of the most critical — and overlooked — problems is a bent frame.
Your car’s frame (also known as the chassis or unibody) supports the entire vehicle structure. If it’s bent, even slightly, it can affect safety, alignment, performance, and long-term wear.
At Avenel Auto Body, we often see frame damage that other shops or inspections missed. Here are 5 signs to help you identify whether your frame might be compromised.
1. The Vehicle Pulls to One Side While Driving
If your car pulls to the left or right when you’re driving straight — and your tires are properly inflated — it could mean the frame is misaligned. Bent frames can affect wheel alignment and suspension geometry, leading to steering issues.
Even after a standard alignment, if the car still veers off-center, it’s worth having the frame inspected.
2. Uneven Gaps Around Doors, Hood, or Trunk
Are the gaps between your panels tighter on one side than the other? Do your doors, hood, or trunk require extra force to close?
These could be signs that the underlying structure has shifted. Frame damage often causes misalignment between body panels, resulting in uneven spacing or difficulty closing and latching components.
3. Unusual Noises, Vibrations, or Rattling
A bent frame can lead to abnormal vibrations or noises while driving — especially at higher speeds. These sounds might come from the undercarriage, suspension, or even from loose panels that are no longer sitting flush.
If you hear unusual creaks, rattles, or knocking after an accident, don’t ignore them. These may be your first warning sign of deeper structural issues.
4. Poor Wheel Alignment and Uneven Tire Wear
Bent frames affect the alignment of the wheels. If you notice:
- One tire wearing faster than the others
- Tires that look angled inward or outward
- Steering that feels loose or delayed
…it may be time to get your frame inspected. Driving with poor alignment not only wears out tires faster, but it also reduces fuel efficiency and steering control.
5. Visible Damage Under the Car
Sometimes you can see frame damage — especially if you look underneath the car. Check for:
- Twisted or cracked metal
- Rust forming around impact zones
- Weld marks from past unreported damage
- Scrapes on the underbody frame rails
You can also ask a technician to put the car on a lift and visually inspect the frame structure.
Why Frame Damage Should Never Be Ignored
A damaged frame reduces your car’s ability to absorb impact during a crash. In some cases, it can also prevent airbags from deploying properly. For the safety of you and your passengers, even minor frame issues should be repaired by professionals.
We use computerized measuring equipment to assess structural alignment down to the millimeter. If your car has been in an accident — even a minor one — a full inspection is always a good idea.
Certified Frame Repair in Avenel, NJ
At Avenel Auto Body, our technicians are trained in frame straightening, unibody repair, and structural realignment.
We handle:
- Post-accident inspections
- Precision measurements
- Frame correction with specialized equipment
- Paint and panel matching when needed
We serve drivers across Avenel, Woodbridge, Rahway, Carteret, and Perth Amboy, and we’ll work directly with your insurance provider to make the process easier.
Final Thoughts
If your car doesn’t feel or sound the same after a collision, don’t wait. Small signs like odd steering or uneven gaps may point to bent frame damage — and ignoring it can lead to bigger issues later.
Let us inspect your vehicle and recommend the safest, most cost-effective path forward.
📞 Call: (732) 855-7511
📍 Visit: 1310–1322 Rahway Ave, Avenel, NJ
💬 Schedule Your Inspection | Get an Estimate