After you get into a car accident, your first concern will be the safety of yourself and your passengers. After that, you’ll worry about the toll the crash took on your vehicle. Even in a minor collision, frame damage can be a sneaky but major consequence. Additionally, a bent frame can be hard to detect when buying a vehicle that’s previously been owned. If you’re not sure whether your car frame was distorted by the impact, take a look at the following red flags that point to the need for frame straightening.

3 Signs Your Car Frame Is Bent

1. The Tires Wear Out Unevenly

If a collision leaves your vehicle bent out of shape, it may position its weight differently on top of your suspension system. As a result, your wheels may shift, resulting in more wear and tear on some tires than others. To find out if your tire tread is wearing unevenly, schedule a rotation with a mechanic if it’s been a while since the purchase or accident. They can assess the wear pattern and, if necessary, recommend frame straightening. If left unaddressed, uneven wear could increase the risk of a blowout, which could easily cause another accident.

2. The Parts Don’t Fit Together

The frame of your car is designed much like a picture frame with multiple joints and sections cut to specific dimensions, all of which fit together like pieces in a puzzle. If the frame is bent out of alignment during an accident, it won’t allow enough space for the parts inside it—or in some cases, it may allow for too much. If any of your windows won’t close completely or your doors won’t open as effortless as they should, you might need frame straightening to set things right.

3. The Car Moves at a Slant

You might even be able to detect a bent frame from behind the wheel. As you drive with the steering wheel straight, assess the angle of your car. Are the wheels causing it to shift into a diagonal? Often called crab walking, this is a surefire sign of a bent frame. If your car seems to shift from side to side as you drive, this is another indication you need professional frame straightening.

If you’re searching for a reliable auto repair shop to perform this vital service, get in touch with Chris Paint and Body. This High Point, NC, auto shop has been restoring cars since 1981, and they know just how important it is to repair your vehicle after an accident. To learn more about their other skills, including auto painting and hail damage repair, visit the website. Call (336) 847-4006 to schedule an appointment for frame straightening.