Are you concerned that an accident compromised your vehicle’s frame and might need frame straightening?
Even a minor car accident can result in damage you can’t immediately see. While dents and broken parts are easy to spot, structural issues — especially frame damage — can quietly affect your vehicle’s safety, handling, and lifespan.
At Tri-Lakes Collision, we specialize in restoring vehicles to pre-accident condition, and that starts with making sure your frame is straight, strong, and structurally sound.
Here’s how to tell if your vehicle might need frame straightening — and why it matters more than you think.
🚘 What Is Frame Damage?
Your car’s frame is the foundation of its safety and performance. Whether you drive a unibody vehicle (most modern cars) or a body-on-frame truck or SUV, the frame is designed to absorb and distribute impact in a collision.
When it’s bent, twisted, or compressed, even slightly, it compromises everything from wheel alignment to crash protection. That’s why frame straightening is one of the most critical steps in a professional collision repair.
🔍 Signs You May Have Frame Damage
Not sure if your accident affected the frame? Look for these common warning signs:
- Misaligned doors, hood, or trunk: If they stick or won’t close properly, something may be bent beneath the surface.
- Uneven tire wear: Frame damage can throw off your vehicle’s alignment, which leads to premature tire wear.
- Car pulls to one side: Even after alignment, your vehicle may not track straight if the frame is compromised.
- Unusual noises or vibrations: Creaks, rattles, or harsh vibrations — especially when turning or hitting bumps — could be a sign of structural stress.
- Visible bends or cracks in the frame: Obvious, but often overlooked. Check under the car if safe to do so.
- Airbags deployed in a low-speed crash: Airbag sensors detect structural movement — so if they go off, frame damage could be involved.
Our certified technicians have the proper equipment to determine if your vehicle’s frame is damaged.
⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Driving with frame damage isn’t just a cosmetic issue — it’s a safety risk. A compromised frame can reduce crash protection, increase wear on other systems, and make it harder to steer or brake correctly. Your tires will wear prematurely, your power steering may fail, your crumple zones may not protect you as designed, and more.
Worse, hidden frame issues can affect your insurance, your resale value, and even the legality of driving the car if it’s considered structurally unsound.
🛠 How We Straighten Frames at Tri-Lakes Collision
We don’t guess — we measure and restore with precision.
At Tri-Lakes Collision, we use computerized frame measuring systems that compare your vehicle to the manufacturer’s exact specifications. This ensures your car is returned to factory standards, not just “close enough.”
Our certified technicians are trained to:
- Identify even slight misalignments
- Use hydraulic pulling systems to restore symmetry
- Perform post-repair scans and measurements
- Document everything for you and your insurance provider
And yes — our work is warrantied, so you can drive away with peace of mind.
🏆 The Tri-Lakes Difference
We’ve proudly served Monument, Palmer Lake, and northern Colorado Springs since 2010 with one goal: to take care of our neighbors like family.
From the moment you call to the final inspection, our team is here to make the process smooth, honest, and worry-free. We even help advocate with your insurance provider to make sure your vehicle gets the repairs it truly needs.
✅ Schedule a Free Estimate Today
If you’ve recently been in a collision — even a small one — don’t wait to find out if your frame was affected. Let our experts inspect your vehicle and walk you through the next steps with no pressure and no surprises.
📍 Tri-Lakes Collision
2101 Wolf Ct, Monument, CO
📞 (719) 245-7002
🌐 trilakescollision.com
