Share:

Frame damage occurs when an auto collision alters the alignment of the metal that holds a vehicle together. Luckily, auto body repair professionals can repair many frame issues. Understanding the type of damage to your vehicle can help you get the necessary repairs to get back on the road safely. Here’s a guide to the most common categories. 

How Do Car Frames Get Damaged?

1. Twisted

Twisted or sagging frame damage is usually subtle. It occurs in minor collisions and leaves small gaps between body panels and other components like wheels and axles. Other parts of the vehicle then shift toward those gaps since there’s nothing holding them in the correct position. Ultimately, this shifting may strain the suspension coils since they have to work harder to hold uneven components in place. Auto body professionals can use hydraulic tools to bend the affected frame parts back into place to restore the structure of your vehicle.

2. Mashed

auto collision

Mashing generally occurs in head-on or rear-end collisions. Enough force can compact the frame, causing it to bend in on itself like an accordion. This makes it appear shorter than it should be, leaving less room for it to hold auto body panels and other parts. Those components then either twist or fall off to compensate. If just one section of the panel is mashed, a collision shop can simply replace that section. 

3. Swayed

Swaying generally occurs when a collision only impacts one side or corner of a vehicle. It may not look like much from the outside, but this uneven damage can cause other parts of the frame and suspension to sway in that direction. When driving a car with this type of damage, you’ll likely notice it constantly veering to one side or vibrating. It’s also more difficult for the transmission to change gears since the wheels and axles aren’t in proper alignment. An auto body shop can use a straightening machine to prevent serious transmission issues. 


If you suspect any of these frame issues, contact Mark’s Auto Body in Cincinnati, OH. The auto collision repair shop works with a variety of makes and models and has more than 25 years of service to the community. The team of highly trained auto body technicians perform quick, affordable repairs with quality workmanship. Visit the website to see a full list of services, or call (513) 731-4273 to request an auto collision repair estimate. 

tracking