can going over a curb damage your car

[StKeegan]

Yes, going over a curb can definitely damage your car. The severity depends on your speed and the curb's height. A slow, controlled roll over a low curb might cause no issues, but hitting a curb at speed or scraping the underside is a recipe for expensive repairs. The immediate risks are tire sidewall bulges, wheel rim scratches or bends, and misalignment. More significant impacts can damage suspension components like control arms and struts, the steering system, or even the oil pan and exhaust system located underneath the vehicle.

The most common damage occurs to the tires and wheels. The tire's sidewall is the weakest part and is not designed to withstand sharp impacts. Hitting a curb can cause internal cords to break, leading to a dangerous bulge. Alloy wheels are also vulnerable to cracking or bending, which can cause air leaks and vibration.

Suspension and alignment are next on the list. Components like tie rods, control arms, and shocks absorb the brunt of the impact. A hard hit can bend these parts, throwing your wheel alignment out of specification. You'll notice this through the car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or a steering wheel that's off-center.

Here’s a breakdown of potential damage and associated symptoms:

Potential Damage	Common Symptoms	Estimated Repair Cost Range (USD)
Tire Sidewall Damage	Visible bulge, slow air leak	$150 - $300 (per tire)
Bent or Cracked Wheel	Vibration, persistent air loss	$200 - $600 (repair or replace)
Wheel Alignment Issue	Car pulls to one side, uneven tire wear	$100 - $200
Bent Control Arm	Clunking noise, poor handling	$400 - $800 (parts & labor)
Damaged Strut	Knocking sound over bumps, poor ride	$300 - $800 (per corner)
Bent Tie Rod	Loose steering, uneven tire wear	$200 - $500
Oil Pan Leak	Oil puddle under car, low oil pressure	$500 - $1,500+
Exhaust System Scrape/ Crack	Loud exhaust noise, fumes	$200 - $1,000+

If you hit a curb, even if the car seems fine, it's wise to check for visible tire damage and listen for new noises. The safest course of action is to get a professional inspection to check for alignment and suspension issues that aren't immediately obvious.

[LaLeilani]

I learned this the hard way. I was turning into a tight parking spot and clipped the curb with my front tire. It didn't seem bad, but a week later, my car started shaking on the highway. The mechanic showed me a bent rim and a busted tie rod. It was a $700 lesson. Now, I'm super careful. If you can't avoid a curb, approach it as slowly as possible and at an angle, not straight on. It’s just not worth the risk.

[VonArianna]

Think of your car's underside as its vital organs. A curb is like a rock-hard obstacle. A gentle nudge might be okay, but a real impact is bad news. You're risking your tires, wheels, and the delicate suspension that keeps you safe and comfortable. The real danger is that some damage, like a slightly bent component, might not show symptoms for weeks, leading to unsafe driving and more costly repairs down the line. Always err on the side of caution.

[MilaLee]

From a purely practical standpoint, treat your car's clearance with respect. If the curb looks higher than the lowest part of your car's undercarriage, find another way. Modern cars have low-hanging parts like plastic splash shields, which can tear easily. Even if you don't break anything mechanical, scraping the bottom is a horrible sound and can tear up those protective panels. It’s a simple rule: if in doubt, go around. Your wallet will thank you.

[VivianMarie]

It's all about physics. The energy from hitting a solid object like a curb has to go somewhere. In a car, that energy travels through the tire, into the wheel, and then into the suspension and steering linkages. These parts are designed for vertical movement from road bumps, not for horizontal impacts. A forceful hit can exceed their design limits, causing them to bend or break. This compromises vehicle handling and safety. Always prioritize a smooth driving path over a shortcut that risks an impact.