Have you been taking “hit the curb” quite literally recently? While your tires may seem alright after that impact, it can cause quite the damage to your car components and eventually your wallet in the long run. Hitting a curb can do some nasty damage to your tires, suspension, and other parts of your vehicle. Even hitting one at turtle-like speed may cost you a bit for car repair.
In this article, we will run you through the signs that indicate your car has been damaged by that curb and the possible solutions you can take.
Wheel Alignment Problems
You may notice your car pulling to the side over time, uneven tire wear, sidewall damage, and bent rims when you hit the curb—all signs that something is wrong with your car alignment. While the curb may only alter the alignment slightly, this can result in crooked pulling in the steering wheel over time.
You should get one after hitting a curb—other than the routine once or twice a year wheel alignment. You may also have to replace your rim and tires if these got bent or punctured during impact.
Severe Suspension Problems
You may notice a lot of bouncing, especially on rough terrain and speed bumps due to a damaged suspension. A curb may damage the control arms of your suspension, making it difficult to control your car over bumps. You may also have difficulty steering if the spindle or steering knuckle of your suspension is damaged.
It’s best to get your suspension repaired right away, as this can get worse quickly. You will have to replace anything broken to ensure it is good as new.
Transmission Problems
The most common curb damage for front-wheel drives or FWDs is transmission and shifting issues. The curb may break your transmission case, which disconnects cables and cooling lines. It can also damage your shafts and axles.
Have your transmission inspected to determine the extent of the damage. Sometimes a simple line replacement or case housing repair will do. In severe cases, you will have to replace the entire transmission.
Steering Problems
Your car may sway or steer oddly when you have damaged steering. You may even hear rattling when driving around turns. This is because of damaged tie rods that connect your wheels and driveshaft to the steering column.
You will have to replace your tie rods or sway bars. If left unrepaired, this puts your car at risk of rollovers, especially when taking sharp turns.
Exhaust Problems
Is your car not as fuel-efficient as it used to be? Is the “check oil” dash light illuminated? This may indicate damage to your exhaust. Sharp edges of curbs can damage your fuel lines, mufflers, and catalytic converters, especially if you are driving an older vehicle.
While the car exhaust system is not very complicated, the repair of these parts can be pricey. Make sure to receive an inspection and a quote before agreeing to these repairs.
Conclusion
While hitting a curb may not seem like a big problem at first, it can cause serious damage to your car in the long run. Make sure to look out for signs of damage after hitting a curb so you can get your car repaired as soon as possible.
Are you looking for auto repair near you in Hoover, Alabama? We at Hoover Automotive have professional mechanics who specialize in repairing domestic and foreign import vehicles. We can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your car is being serviced by reliable mechanics. Head on to our website to contact us today!