When driving, it’s easy to make a quick miscalculation while parking or navigating tight turns, resulting in the vehicle’s wheels striking a curb. While this may seem like a minor mishap, hitting curbs can lead to significant damage to your car’s wheels and affect overall driving safety. Understanding how curb impacts cause wheel damage and what you can do to avoid it can help preserve the integrity of your vehicle. In this blog post, the experts from Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic dive deeper into this subject.
The Types of Damage Caused by Hitting Curbs
Hitting a curb can cause a variety of problems, depending on the severity of the impact. The most common damage includes the following.
Scrapes and Scuffs: When a wheel brushes against a curb, it often results in visible cosmetic damage. While this may seem purely aesthetic, even light scratches can create a vulnerable surface on the wheel, potentially leading to further corrosion.
Bending or Cracking: A more serious consequence of hitting a curb is the bending or cracking of the wheel. A direct impact from a high-speed hit can cause the metal to deform, which compromises its structure. This damage can weaken the wheel, affecting its ability to hold the tire securely, which may lead to unsafe driving conditions.
Alignment Issues: Repeated curb hits or one severe impact can knock the alignment of your car’s wheels out of place. Misaligned wheels lead to uneven tire wear, decreased fuel efficiency, and can affect the overall handling of your car, making it more difficult to steer.
How Hitting Curbs Affects Vehicle Performance
In addition to cosmetic damage, hitting curbs can interfere with your vehicle’s performance in several ways. When a wheel is bent or cracked, it may cause vibrations while driving. This can make the car uncomfortable to drive, especially at higher speeds. The alignment issues that arise from hitting curbs can also lead to uneven tire wear, resulting in the need for premature tire replacement. Further, bent wheels can pose a safety hazard by compromising the tire’s seal, which could lead to air loss or even a flat tire. In extreme cases, a severely damaged wheel can fail entirely, potentially causing a dangerous situation on the road.
Preventing Wheel Damage from Curbs
To prevent wheel damage, it’s important to take a few simple precautions while driving. Always pay close attention when parking or maneuvering around curbs, especially in tight spaces. Slow down when approaching curbs to minimize the impact if you do accidentally make contact. Additionally, maintaining good tire pressure can reduce the risk of wheel damage. Overinflated tires are more susceptible to damage when hitting curbs, while underinflated tires can put extra strain on the wheels, making them more prone to bending or cracking.
What to Do If You Damage Your Wheel
If you do hit a curb and notice any damage to your wheels, it’s important to address it promptly. Cosmetic scuffs can be easily fixed by a professional, but more serious issues like bends or cracks require immediate attention. Having your wheels inspected by a mechanic can help assess the extent of the damage and determine whether a repair or replacement is necessary.
Auto Repair & Body Shop Services in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
In summary, hitting curbs can cause a range of wheel damage, from minor cosmetic issues to more severe structural damage that affects your car’s performance. By being mindful of your driving habits and taking care when navigating curbs, you can protect your wheels and keep your vehicle safe and functional for the long term. If damage does occur, call the professionals from Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic. They specialize in wheel trim repair as well as the entire body of your car. Call Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic today.
