When you’re in an auto collision, the damage to your car’s body panels and glass is easy to see. However, there is also hidden damage to the car’s underlying structures and systems, which can sometimes cause problems even if the outside of the vehicle looks fine. Here’s what you need to know about these damages and why you should see an auto body repair technician after an accident.

Types of Invisible Auto Collision Damage

Bent Frames

The frame of your car is the underlying structure that holds up the body panels, providing the car’s shape and its structural strength. A bent frame is sometimes visible because it causes body panels to shove together, pull apart, or line up crooked. However, even after you replace a part or repair visible damage, such as a caved-in door or panel, the frame underneath the car can still be concave from the impact.

Trunk & Door Latch Issues

Your latches may not line up when the frame is bent, or a body panel is pushed out of place. You may find that the trunk, doors, and hood stick closed. They can also refuse to latch at all, or pop open unexpectedly, which is dangerous while driving.

Misaligned Wheels

Cars are designed with the axles parallel and wheels pointing straight forward, which improves efficiency because the tires are pulling in the same direction. Damages to axles are difficult to see since they’re located behind tires and shielded by wheel wells. After a collision, one axle may be at a different angle from the other. Also, one end of an axle might be raised, putting more weight on one side than the other, causing your tires to wear down unevenly.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Repairs

A damaged frame is weaker than it was before. If you’re in another auto collision, the frame will collapse more easily, causing more damage to the car and injuries to the occupants. Meanwhile, misaligned wheels make the car run less efficiently since they’ll pull in opposite directions, so you’ll get worse gas mileage. You may also experience handling problems with the car pulling to one side, which can potentially cause accidents.

Problems with the door latches can range from inconvenient to dangerous, as the doors or hood may fly open while driving, impairing your visibility. Finally, the auto collision goes on your car’s record, decreasing the value of the vehicle until you visit an auto body shop and get these problems professionally repaired.

If you need body and frame repairs after an auto collision, visit Mark's Auto Body in Cincinnati, OH. Their highly trained auto body technicians have over 25 years of experience in Hamilton County. They work with most insurance companies, provide free claim estimates, and offer price matching with competitors. Call (513) 731-4273 or visit their website for questions about their services.