I’ve hit the curb a few times when making turns (especially pulling into parking lots). Every time, I get worried that I’ve hurt my car somehow. Will it damage my car if I drive over a curb?
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Driving over a curb can damage your car in a number of ways. Here are a few:
Alignment damage: Hitting the curb can throw your wheels out of alignment. If you notice a bent rim on your tires or if your car starts pulling to one side, you’ll need to
Suspension damage: If you notice your car bouncing or becoming more difficult to control, you should talk to your mechanic about suspension damage. This kind of damage is very dangerous and can worsen over time, so you should get it checked out as soon as possible.
Damage to the anti-roll bar: Hitting the curb can break or damage your anti-roll bar, which results in your steering wheel feeling loose. You may also have difficulty controlling your car around turns.
Transmission damage: Scraping the bottom of your car can cause cables to disconnect or lines to break, which can in turn affect your transmission. If you notice that it’s more difficult to shift gears, you should take your car to the shop.
Other damages: Any number of the components located underneath your vehicle can be damaged by curbs. If you notice your car acting strangely, it’s best to talk to a mechanic to make sure everything is in working order.
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