When your car malfunctions and you require roadside assistance, your towing company will ask you what issues you’re experiencing. While a flat tire may be an easy fix, issues with your vehicle chassis may require hauling service to a nearby auto body shop for further inspection. The chassis is the frame of your car, and often includes important components like the wheels and steering system. Below, learn what you should know about the chassis so that you better understand the necessary maintenance. 

What Is a Chassis?

The term chassis refers to your vehicle’s basic framework. This frame gives your vehicle structure, and it is the main component that all other pieces of equipment are attached to. In most cases, the chassis is comprised of carbon steel or aluminum. As the backbone of the vehicle, the wheels, brakes, axles, engine, and transmission systems are all mounted onto the frame.

What Are the Common Types?

There are two primary types of chassis. The first is known as the body-on-frame. In this design, the vehicle sits on top of the frame as two separate components. This chassis is most frequently seen on trucks, off-road vehicles, and in heavier equipment. While handling and steering are slightly more difficult, this chassis can be easier to repair and modify since it’s in two distinct pieces. 

Unibody frames, in contrast, are a singular design where frame and body are one. This chassis is seen in traditional cars and sedans, making the vehicles lighter and easier to maneuver. They are also more fuel-efficient. However, with the body and frame built as a whole, extensive damage may be expensive or impossible to repair. 

What Are Common Chassis Problems?

After a fender bender or due to extreme driving techniques, rough terrain, or general wear and tear, a chassis can become dented and damaged. In this case, you may experience problems with your brakes, suspension, and overall performance, thus requiring roadside assistance for safety. Drivers experiencing groaning, squealing noises, heavy vibrations, steering trouble, delayed braking, or difficulty accelerating or maintaining control should pull over and call for roadside assistance. 

If you’re experiencing car trouble and you need same-day towing services or roadside assistance from a dedicated team, AM Towing has you covered. Based in Big Bend, WI, this local company has been serving drivers throughout Waukesha County for over two decades with quality equipment and friendly, knowledgable technicians at fair prices. To schedule standard or heavy-duty hauling service, call today at (262) 662-9770. For more information on their services, fleet, and 24/7 availability, visit their website.