If your car has been involved in an accident, you need to have it looked at by a mechanic – whether you can afford the repairs or not. Even if your car is drivable after the accident, there may be significant damage that isn't visible to the naked eye. This is particularly true when it comes to the frame. If your car took a significant hit during the accident, the force of the impact could have bent the frame. Here are three quick ways to tell if your frame was bent in the car accident.

Visible Damage from Underneath

Even if you can't see frame damage by looking at the body, you should be able to see some damage from underneath. Climb under the car and take a look up at the frame. If there is no damage, you should be able to see a smooth surface. However, if the frame has been bent in the accident, you'll notice creases or dents in the metal. If you see this type of damage, your frame should be looked at by a mechanic.

Problems with the Alignment

If you recently had an alignment, and the car is already pulling to one side, your frame might be bent. Take your car back to the mechanic and have them redo the alignment for you. If the car continues to pull to the side after the alignment has been done a second time, you have a problem with your frame that will need to be taken care of as soon as possible.

Tires Don't Track

When you drive your car in a straight line, the front and back tires should track evenly. That means the tread marks should line up perfectly. However, if the frame of your car is bent, your tires will no longer move in unison between the front and back axles. Instead, the front will move properly and the rear axle will move more like a crab – where it moves slightly sideways. If you're not sure, get your tires wet and then drive forward several feet. You should be able to see two tire marks – driver and passenger sides. If the tires haven't tracked properly, you should take your car in for a professional inspection.

If your car has been in an accident, you need to have it looked at by a mechanic or body shop. The information here will help you identify possible frame damage. Click here to learn more about auto body frame repair.