Damage impacting a vehicle’s underlying framework, which provides its primary support and crash protection, is a serious concern. This type of damage affects the unibody or frame, compromising the vehicle’s ability to withstand impact in a collision and potentially impacting handling and safety systems. An example includes a bent frame rail resulting from a significant collision.
Addressing such compromise is critically important due to its direct effect on occupant safety. The vehicle’s ability to protect passengers in a subsequent accident is severely diminished when its foundational structure is weakened. Historically, repair techniques have evolved to address these complex issues, ranging from simple straightening to complete section replacements, aiming to restore the vehicle to its pre-accident condition and original safety specifications.