Structural damage to a car refers to any damage to the vehicles chassis or underlying structure. It is the most severe type of damage a car can sustain, and it can affect the cars safety and performance. Structural damage can occur when the energy of a collision is severe enough to cause the structure to absorb the energy and deform to protect the vehicles occupants. The frame or structure of a car is the foundation to which all other components are attached, and it is designed to absorb and divert energy during collisions. Structural damage can cause the suspension, steering, and tires to wear prematurely, and it can make the vehicle unsafe to drive.

It is important to know the difference between the types of damage and how they can affect the operation of your vehicle. The damage to your car might be structural, hidden, cosmetic, or a combination of all of them. Cosmetic damage refers to damage that has had no impact on the structure or function of your vehicle, such as paint scratches, scraped bumpers, or dings on the body. Hidden damage refers to damage that is not immediately visible, such as damage to the engine or transmission.

If a car has sustained structural damage, it can be repaired, but the cost of repair may exceed the value of the vehicle. Repairing or realigning a frame can be difficult, and repairs may not be enough to resolve the damage completely. In some cases, a restored frame is more susceptible to damage than before the collision. However, if proper repairs are done following manufacturers procedures, damaged vehicle bodies can be fixed and returned to pre-collision condition.

It is important to note that Carfax reports may list "structural damage" when the damage has been repaired, and the correct term in most cases is "structural repair". Structural damage is described as damage to any part of the main structure or any component that is designed to provide structural integrity. If the Carfax report indicates structural damage, there is structural damage, and if it doesnt indicate structural damage, there is no structural damage.