You rely on your vehicle every day to get you where you need to go, whether that’s the office or a holiday road trip. Understanding their basic components is useful for maintaining their condition, particularly if auto body repair is needed. One of the foundational parts of a vehicle is the chassis. Here’s what you need to know about it. 

Chassis Defined

The chassis is the framework that supports the structure of a vehicle. It’s similar to a skeleton. Sometimes, “chassis” and “frame” are used interchangeably, but the two are not always the same. Depending on its construction, a chassis may include only the frame or the frame combined with the front-and-rear suspension system or the body. 

Common Chassis Types

Every car has a chassis, but different models have different types. A body-on-frame chassis, which consists of the vehicle body situated on a frame, is the preferred chassis type for trucks and off-road vehicles. Auto body repairs on vehicles with body-on-frame chassis may be more easily managed compared to other types. Because the frame and body are separate, however, the vehicle can be more challenging to drive. 

The other kind of chassis type is a unibody, also called a monocoque. In French, monocoque means “single shell.” Most lighter, newer vehicles have this chassis design. As the name implies, in a unibody, the body and chassis are one and function as such. Cars with unibody construction are easier to drive and more fuel-efficient due to their lighter weight. However, auto body repair on monocoque designs is more difficult and expensive since the frame and body are integral.

If you’ve been in a collision and need auto body repair to fix dents, turn to Mark’s Auto Body in Cincinnati, OH. They’ve been helping drivers get safely back on the road quickly and efficiently for over 25 years. From dent removal to auto body collision repair, they provide a broad range of services utilizing the latest techniques and technologies. Call (513) 731-4273 to speak with a helpful team member or schedule an appointment, or visit their website to view examples of their work.