RPM Automotive in Cambridge is well aware that car accidents happen — and so do car-accident repairs. As a family-owned and operated auto repair shop dedicated to domestic and foreign vehicle services, RPM Automotive employs automotive technicians who have serviced vehicles in all stages of disrepair. One of their biggest challenges is fixing vehicle frames damaged in a collision.
Can your car frame be straightened after an accident? That’s a question you hope you never have to ask. The way cars are manufactured today, nearly half of all traffic accidents result in some kind of damage to the core inner frame of your vehicle. That’s a direct result of the high safety standards to which car manufacturers must adhere when designing and building new cars. The advent of “crumple zones” built into 21st-century cars, trucks and SUVs means your vehicle has design elements that are meant to absorb the impact of a collision. As a result, a 2016 Chevy Malibu usually looks a lot worse than a heavy steel-framed 1964 Chevy would after a routine fender-bender. Even in low-speed impacts, new cars can suffer significant damage to the outer shell and frame, thanks to lighter construction and non-metal components.
When frame damage is diagnosed in your vehicle, don’t panic. Competently trained mechanics can return your car as close to factory specs as possible with the help of specialized framing machines. These machines use hydraulics and powerful torque to put your frame back into shape. Depending on the original extent of damage to your vehicle, your mechanic should be able to straighten your damaged car frame. The use of ultrasound equipment makes diagnosing the extent of damage much easier than before. In a scenario where your frame can’t be straightened using the machines, your mechanic might suggest the need to cut out the bent pieces of your frame and weld in new metal pieces. Although such repairs are common, welding can reduce the integrity of your metal frame. This may compromise your insurance policy; it could also compromise the safety of your vehicle. If the damage is too great, you may want to write off your car.
Get the full details on car frame straightening. Visit RPM Automotive at 225 Elgin Street North in Cambridge. Call 519-620-1774 to make an appointment.
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