What is "frame straightening"?

Frame straightening refers to the process of restoring a bent frame to its original shape after a collision or impact. In the context of vehicle repair, the frame is a critical structural element that provides integrity and safety. When a vehicle experiences a collision, the frame may become deformed, which can lead to misalignment of components and ultimately affect the vehicle's performance and safety.

The primary goal of frame straightening is to ensure that the vehicle's frame is realigned correctly so that it meets manufacturer specifications. This involves using specialized tools and equipment, such as frame machines, that apply force to specific points on the frame to gradually return it to its original dimensions.

Other options, while related to vehicle repair, do not accurately describe the frame straightening process. For example, painting a vehicle pertains to its aesthetic restoration rather than structural integrity. Installing new frames involves adding new structural components rather than fixing existing ones, and measuring frame dimensions is typically a part of assessing damage rather than the actual process of restoring the structure itself. Hence, the definition of frame straightening as the restoration of a bent frame to its original shape is the most accurate description of the term.