- Frame and unibody damage can affect vehicle safety even when exterior damage looks minor.
- Computerized measurements help technicians compare vehicle structure with factory specifications.
- Some structural components can be straightened, while others require replacement.
Frame damage repair involves more than fixing visible dents after an accident. A collision can shift structural components, potentially changing how your vehicle responds to another impact. Understanding unibody repair and whether frame damage is repairable helps Sioux Falls drivers make informed decisions.
What Is Frame and Unibody Damage?
Traditional vehicles use a separate frame, while unibody vehicles integrate structural supports into the body. Both designs can become bent, twisted, or misaligned during a crash. Uneven panel gaps may suggest damage, but problems can also remain hidden beneath exterior panels.
How Do Shops Measure Structural Damage?
Technicians use computerized measuring systems to compare structural reference points with manufacturer dimensions. Depending on the equipment, electronic sensors or lasers help identify changes in length, width, and height. These measurements guide the repair plan and verify progress throughout the work.
How Does Frame Straightening Work?
When a manufacturer permits straightening, technicians secure the vehicle to a frame rack and apply controlled pulling forces to affected areas. Not every damaged component can be safely straightened. Certain structural parts must be replaced according to the automaker’s repair procedures.
Why Do Factory Specifications Matter?
Disassembly often reveals damage that an initial inspection cannot detect. Our repair process includes checking hidden areas before we proceed with structural repairs. Following factory specifications matters because improperly repaired structures may not manage crash forces as designed.
Choose a Certified Collision Center in Sioux Falls
Our team at Marv’s Body Shop uses computerized structural measuring equipment to help return vehicles to factory specifications. We encourage drivers to review our certifications including top manufacturers such as Ford, GM, and Chrysler, and address suspected frame damage promptly.
After an accident, contact us to discuss a professional inspection and free estimate.
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