When you get into a car accident, it’s easier to focus on damage that you can see, such as dented panels, cracked bumpers, and shattered glass. Yet, there may also be damage that’s invisible to the naked eye, hidden away in the vehicle’s structure. In many cases, these microfractures can pose a dangerous threat to your safety, since they can’t be seen. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we believe it’s important for drivers to understand what microfractures are, why they matter, and how to ensure they’re not overlooked after a crash.
Let’s talk about microfractures and how to tell if your vehicle may have them.
Key Takeaways
- Microfractures are tiny, often invisible cracks in your vehicle’s structure that can occur during a collision, even if the exterior damage seems minimal.
- These hidden fractures can weaken your vehicle’s frame, disrupt alignment, increase vibrations, and interfere with safety systems like lane assist or emergency braking.
- Many repair shops overlook microfractures because they don’t use advanced diagnostics or fail to fully disassemble and inspect the vehicle after an accident.
- Warning signs of microfractures include new rattling noises, uneven tire wear, steering issues, or panels that no longer align properly.
What are Microfractures?
Microfractures are tiny, nearly invisible cracks that form in the structural parts of your vehicle during a collision. They most often appear in the frame or unibody, suspension, engine mounts, weld points, and critical brackets or supports. Even though microfractures are small, it doesn’t take long for them to grow with the vibration and stress of daily commutes. When left untreated, microfractures weaken the structural integrity your vehicle, making it less safe.
In other words, even if you car looks fine after a crash, there may be microfractures throughout the structure. It’s important that you bring your vehicle to an auto body repair shop for an inspection if you notice any of the following microfracture signs:
- Sudden rattles, creaks, or new noises
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- Steering that feels loose and off-center
- Doors or panels that don’t line up the way they should
Why are Microfractures So Easy to Miss During Car Repair?
Compared to cosmetic damages like cracks in the windshield or dented panels or even rust, microfractures aren’t big. You won’t see them during a visual inspection. In fact, many collision repair centers may miss microfractures if they are focusing more on a fast turnaround rather than taking the necessary diagnostic steps (Elmer’s Auto Body would never do this; we’re here for you and your vehicle).
Here are some common reasons microfractures get missed:
- Lack of diagnostic equipment
- Rushed repair job that focuses on cosmetic damage
- No structural alignment check
- Failure to fully disassemble the vehicle to check affected areas
Post-collision inspections need to go beyond the surface. Advanced diagnostic tools like laser frame measuring systems can help identify microfractures so they can be repaired.
How Do Microfractures Affect Your Vehicle?
If left unaddressed after an accident, microfractures can turn into a serious issues. These nearly invisible cracks can gradually worsen with everyday driving, road vibration, and exposure to weather. Over time, microfractures can impact multiple systems in your vehicle:
Weakened Frame Structure
The structural integrity of your vehicle is what protects you during a collision. Microfractures in the frame or unibody can compromise that strength, reducing your car’s ability to absorb impact and protect passengers. Even a small crack in a critical weld point or support beam can lead to serious failure in another crash.
Worsening Alignment Problems
Microfractures near suspension components, control arms, or subframe areas can slowly throw off alignment angles. That leads to steering that feels off, difficulty keeping the car straight on the highway, or constant corrections while driving. You may also notice uneven tire wear, which can become costly and unsafe if not corrected.
Increased Vibration and Noise
As microfractured parts begin to shift under pressure, you might hear creaks, rattles, or popping noises—especially when turning or going over bumps. These subtle signs often indicate that certain parts are no longer properly secured or aligned, which can also result in a rougher, more uncomfortable ride.
Compromised Safety Systems
Many advanced safety features rely on precisely mounted sensors and properly calibrated components. Microfractures near these mounts can cause ADAS systems (like lane keep assist or emergency braking) to misfire or stop working entirely. In some cases, the systems may shut off without warning, leaving you less protected on the road.
How Does Elmer’s Auto Body Find and Fix Microfractures?
We take structural integrity very seriously at Elmer’s Auto Body. Every vehicle that comes to us for collision repair is carefully inspected. Yes, that means for microfractures as well as visible damage. We used computerized frame measurement systems to accurately diagnose issues, even those that can’t be see by the naked eye. Our certified auto repair technicians also take the time to fully disassemble the affected areas to see what lays beneath. We use OEM parts and manufacturer recommended repair procedures.
At Elmer’s Auto Body, our goal is to restore your vehicle’s safety and drivability as if the accident never happened.
Schedule for Auto Body Repair at Elmer’s Auto Body
Whether you were just in an accident or had repairs done elsewhere and something still feels wrong, Elmer’s Auto Body is here to help. We’ll perform a thorough diagnostic and let you know if microfractures or other hidden damage were missed.
You deserve peace of mind knowing your vehicle is safe and structurally sound. Let us make sure no detail is overlooked.
Call or visit one of our South Jersey locations in Medford, Sewell, or Mt. Ephraim to schedule your appointment. You can also reach us by filling out the contact form.