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Types of Car Frame Damage and How They Are Repaired
Car Frame Damage Repair in Surrey, BC
A car’s frame is like a house’s foundation: it is the core of the vehicle’s construction and supports its overall strength. When a car’s frame is damaged, it can be unsafe to drive, and even dangerous in the event of an accident. At Columbia Collision Repairs Ltd., our expert team knows that getting your car’s frame repaired fast and correctly is essential for optimal safety and performance. We have been providing Surrey, BC with quality car frame repair services for more than 40 years, and our technicians take pride in ensuring your vehicle takes you where you need to go safely.
What is Car Frame Damage?
Car frame damage typically occurs after a collision, or if the vehicle is driven through an area of deep potholes. Types of frame damage can range from minor to serious. Minor frame damage often appears as dents, scrapes, or small holes in the frame. Serious frame damage can involve bent frames, broken welds, and misaligned parts that need to be realigned and secured with new welding. When a car’s frame becomes bent or deformed, it can lead to other problems such as misalignment, suspension issues, and even engine failure.
How Do I Know If My Car Has Frame Damage?
There are several signs that your car may have frame damage. They include:
- Obvious or visible bending
- Unevenly worn suspension or shocks
- Unevenly worn tires
- Improper wheel tracking
- Improper tire alignment
If you’re not sure whether your car has frame damage, you can always bring it to Columbia Collision Repairs Ltd. for an inspection. Our experts will check your vehicle thoroughly to determine the extent of the frame damage and provide you with professional advice on how best to proceed with repairs.
Types of Car Frame Damage
There are several types of possible car frame damage. Some of the most common include:
- Sway damage: This type of damage can occur if a car is hit in a corner. If your car has sway damage, it will sag or lean to one side. Sway damage will keep your car from being able to drive in a straight line and can even damage the transmission.
- Sagging frame: If your car’s frame is sagging, gaps will be present in the car body. Sagging can lead to uneven wear on your tires and coils, which will make the parts wear out faster than normal.
- Mashed frame: A car frame can become mashed during a collision. During an accident like a head-on collision or a rear-end collision, the frame collapses in on itself and can cause severe damage.
Does Frame Damage to A Car Make It Unsafe to Drive?
When a car’s frame is damaged, it can become unstable and difficult to control. Driving with frame damage can also cause additional problems such as misalignment of the wheels and suspension issues. If you think your car may have frame damage, it’s important to bring it in for an inspection and repair as soon as possible.
How Are Car Frames Repaired?
Car frame repair involves straightening the frame, replacing any damaged parts, and welding new parts in place. Often, we will utilize an auto body frame straightening machine to restore the frame to its original shape. Once the frame has been straightened, our technicians will ensure that all components of your car are in good working order before it leaves our shop.
Contact Columbia Collision Repairs Ltd. Today
At Columbia Collision Repairs Ltd., we understand how important it is for your car to be safe and reliable. That’s why our team of certified technicians is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality car frame repair in Surrey, BC. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services
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Which is Better: Dealerships or Auto Body Repair Shops?
Auto Body Shop in Surrey, BC
A vehicle accident can be a very stressful experience, especially when you have to decide what to do if your car has been damaged. When you’re searching for the right place to take your car for repairs, you have two main options to choose from: dealerships or auto body repair shops. While both can offer professional service, there are some key differences between the two that may influence your decision.
Do Dealerships Do Collision Repair?
While many car dealerships have a staff of technicians on hand who are qualified to perform collision repair, they may not always offer this service. Dealerships tend to specialize in new and used car sales, so their focus is often more on offering services that appeal to customers looking to buy a car. Many dealerships offer auto repair services, but collision damage is a specialized area that many will outsource to an auto body repair shop.
Do Dealerships Do Body Work?
Many car dealerships can perform body work, but only for makes and models of cars that they sell. If your car is not a model that the dealership carries, they may not be able to do any needed body work. Additionally, dealerships often focus more on repairs that are aesthetic or cosmetic rather than structural. This means that if your car needs extensive repair work, a dealership may not be the best choice for you. Plus, a dealership may charge you more than an auto body shop if they think the repair will take a lengthy amount of time.
Are Dealership Mechanics Better?
Just because a mechanic works at a dealership does not mean that they are necessarily better than a mechanic at an auto body shop. A lot of car dealerships have multiple mechanics and technicians on hand, but some may not be as experienced or knowledgeable as those from a specialized auto repair shop. This means that there’s no guarantee that you’re getting the best service available when taking your car to a dealership for repairs.
Dealership vs. Auto Body Repair Shop: Determining Factors
There are three main factors to consider when choosing between a dealership and an auto body repair shop: price, experience, and parts.
- Price: Typically, a repair from an auto body shop will be less expensive than a repair from a dealership. This is due to several reasons, such as the dealership having an overhead or certain parts being more expensive.
- Experience: While many dealership mechanics only work with a set number of makes and models, auto body repair shops typically employ technicians with a wide range of experience from different car manufacturers. This gives you the assurance that any repairs they make will be done correctly by someone who is familiar with your vehicle type.
- Parts: Auto body shops generally have access to most parts, but dealerships may be able to get their hands on specialty pieces more easily. This can come in handy if you need a specific part that is hard to find.
Contact Columbia Collision Repairs Ltd. Today
At Columbia Collision Repairs Ltd., we strive to provide the best service when it comes to collision repair. We are dedicated to making sure our customers get the most out of their visit and are completely satisfied with their auto body repair. Contact us today for more information about our services.