Vehicles are built to certain specifications and repaired to tolerances ranging from 0-5 mm. A structural repair technician uses specific locations and three-dimensional measuring equipment to determine if the vehicle frame or unibody structure was damaged during a collision.

A vehicle that requires structural repairs is placed on a frame straightening rack or bench. Additional disassembly may be required to protect adjacent parts from damage or to access areas that require repair. The vehicle is anchored, and chains and hydraulic rams are used to accurately pull the frame or unibody structure back to specifications.

If structural parts cannot be straightened, the parts are fully or partially replaced following vehicle maker recommendations. Most steel structures are welded, but aluminum structures may be joined using a combination of welds, rivets, and adhesive.

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