Can Speed Bumps Ruin Your Car?
We’ve all been there, driving along not paying too much attention, and then suddenly you get the fright of your life as your car hurtles into a speed bump. Speed bumps are designed to discourage motorists from driving too fast, but sometimes hitting one at speed can cause damage to a vehicle. If you see an upcoming speed bump or hump, then it’s best practice to slow down accordingly and navigate it safely.
Sometimes slowing down isn’t an option though and hitting a speed bump at speed, or the wrong angle can cause significant damage to a car. Hitting a speed bump can cause the suspension in your car to compress as it attempts to absorb the bump excessively. Even if the suspension doesn’t bottom out, you are still placing extra wear and fatigue upon the components of the suspension when you hit a speed bump.
Types Of Damage
Drivers found that around half of repairs counted for tire damage, while 33% were suspension repairs. Other parts of a vehicle can be damaged if you hit a speed bump at high-speed. If the vehicle’s exhaust is hanging low, then it risks coming into contact with the speed bump and potentially breaking off.
Hitting a speed bump may also affect your vehicle’s steering. It can cause the steering to go out of line, so if you hit a speed bump and notice your car drifting over in one particular direction, then it’s time to get your car checked out as it may need realigning.
Unfortunately, speed bumps are part and parcel of driving on the roads, so the best advice is to keep an eye out and drive slowly should you come across any speed bumps while you’re driving. Extra care should be taken if the vehicle you drive has little ground clearance, and if your car has any existing damage then hitting a speed bump at high speed can cause further damage to your vehicle.
Get An Inspection
If you do hit a speed bump and you’re worried that it has caused damage to your car then stop into Jiffy Lube to see what the extent of the damage is. It’s important that you get any issues sorted quickly and efficiently, driving with damaged suspension or steering can negatively affect your driving experience and potentially endanger you and others. Contact Jiffy Lube today so the experts can get you back on the road in no time at all.