Computerized Frame & Unibody Alignment

Frame or unibody damage can be invisible to the naked eye. It’s only when you get behind the wheel that you realize something is amiss. The car will pull to the left or right, or there’s a peculiar vibration, or the vehicle will be dog-tracking. All of which can be an indicator that your car has frame or unibody damage, and the expert technicians at the Collision Center of Andover are more than prepared to repair such alignment damage.

Collisions can oftentimes damage your car’s unibody alignment or frame, but there are subtler ways as well. Your vehicle could go out of proper alignment from such things as improper towing, hitting the curb or a deep pothole, running into a ditch, or cracks and rust damage. If your vehicle has never been in a collision, there’s still a possibility that your persistent problems in alignment and suspension may be caused by frame or unibody damage.

Signs and Symptoms of Poor Alignment

Though frame or unibody damage can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, it certainly isn’t impossible. There are a few things to keep an eye out for with the alignment before bringing your vehicle in to the Collision Center of Andover for inspection.

Body Panels – Gaps, wide or narrow, between your vehicle’s body panels indicate that it may have frame or unibody damage. If the gaps are irregular, i.e. start small and end wide, that may also be an indicator, and keep in mind, there may be damage without any gaps.

Wheel Issues – If your vehicle’s front or rear tires lean inward or outward when viewed from the front (they should stand straight up), that may be another indicator of frame or unibody damage.

Leaning – Any vehicle may lean a little, but if yours is leaning a lot, you may have damage. This may extend to chronic tire wear, and pulling to the left or right even after the vehicle has been aligned.

Lastly, if your car’s suspension parts wear easily, or break often, your vehicle may have frame or unibody damage.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

What is computerized frame and unibody alignment?

Computerized frame and unibody alignment is a precision repair process we use after a collision to restore your vehicle’s structural alignment. Using advanced computerized equipment, we measure and adjust the frame or unibody back to factory specifications so your vehicle tracks straight and handles safely.

Why is frame and unibody alignment important after an accident?

After a collision, even minor misalignment can affect steering, tire wear, and overall vehicle safety. Proper alignment ensures your vehicle drives correctly, reduces uneven tire wear, and helps keep your suspension components working as designed.

How do you know if my vehicle needs computerized alignment?

Signs that your vehicle may need alignment include uneven tire wear, pulling to one side when driving, a crooked steering wheel when going straight, or recent accident damage. When we inspect your vehicle, we check alignment and recommend correction if needed.

How long does computerized frame or unibody alignment take?

The time needed depends on the severity of the misalignment and the type of vehicle, but most alignment procedures can be completed in a few hours. We will give you a time estimate after we inspect the vehicle so you know what to expect.

Can driving with a misaligned frame or unibody cause long-term damage?

Yes. Driving with a misaligned frame or unibody can lead to uneven tire wear, suspension damage, poor handling, and reduced safety over time. If you suspect an alignment issue, it is important to have it inspected as soon as possible. Call us at (316) 733-9310 or visit our contact page to schedule a professional alignment inspection and protect your vehicle.

Jeff Ablah

/ Vice President, Ablah Enterprises

I like the way Collision Center of Andover does business. They give me a price and stick to it. I had all of my family members vehicles repaired there. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.