If you’ve recently been in a car accident, a bent frame can significantly impact the usability of your vehicle. Sometimes, this damage is pronounced, but it can also be more subtle. Regardless, it’s essential to seek out auto body repair right away. Here are some ways you can tell that your frame might be damaged.

How to Tell If You Need Auto Body Repair for a Bent Frame

1. The Alignment Is Off

When the frame is out of alignment slightly, it impacts the natural direction of your wheels. If the steering wheel is straight, the wheels shouldn’t veer to one side or the other. If they do, have your car checked out by an auto repair shop. It may be an alignment issue or due to a frame that’s out of place.

2. Doors & Windows Don’t Fit Properly

If your car doors or windows don’t close fully, or if there are small gaps around any other exterior components that weren’t there before, it could very well be due to a subtly bent frame. Be sure to check with an auto body repair shop.

3. Tires Wear Unevenly

When the frame of your vehicle is uneven, the tires are likely to shift slightly to one side or the other as you drive. This causes the treads to wear down more on one side of the tire, which means you’ll need to replace them more often, even if you’re being diligent with tire rotations. You can check your tire treads with a gauge, or take your car to an auto repair shop to see if it’s due to a bent frame.

If you’ve been in a collision and are worried about your frame or any other vehicle components, Collision Masters in Fairbanks, AK, can help. The auto body repair shop can help customers with everything from frame repair to dent removal after a collision. They even offer auto painting and detailing service for those who want to improve the look of their vehicle. The team is dedicated to full customer satisfaction, so they always provide quality artistry and personalized service. View a full list of auto body repair services, including their Detail for Life program, on the company’s website or call (907) 451-8456 to request information.