can going over a speed bump damage your car

[SanJaxon]

Yes, going over a speed bump incorrectly can definitely damage your car. The primary risks are to your suspension, tires, and the underside of your vehicle. The damage is typically cumulative, meaning that repeatedly hitting bumps at high speed causes wear and tear that leads to costly repairs. The key to avoiding damage is all about technique: slow down and cross the bump at an angle if possible.

The most vulnerable parts are your suspension components, including shock absorbers and struts. These are designed to absorb impacts, but a sharp, forceful hit from a speed bump can cause them to fail prematurely. You might hear a new clunking or knocking sound afterward, which is a telltale sign of suspension damage. The undercarriage—things like the exhaust system, catalytic converter, and oil pan—can also be scraped or dented if your car is too low.

Proper technique is simple. Slow down to a crawl, ideally 3-5 mph. This allows the suspension to compress and rebound smoothly. For long-wheelbase vehicles or those with low ground clearance, crossing at an angle can help, taking one wheel over the bump at a time to reduce the overall jolt. Ignoring these steps can lead to immediate or long-term issues.

Here’s a quick reference for potential damage based on speed:

Impact Speed	Probability of Immediate Damage	Common Types of Damage
5 mph or less	Very Low	Minimal to none.
10-15 mph	Moderate	Scraped undercarriage, tire sidewall bulge.
20-25 mph	High	Damaged shock absorbers, bent wheel rims.
30+ mph	Very High	Suspension failure, exhaust system damage, alignment issues.

[PaulMarie]

I’ve learned my lesson the hard way. I used to fly over them in my old sedan, and a few months later, I was stuck with a huge bill for new struts and a busted tie rod. The mechanic asked me point-blank if I took speed bumps fast. Now, I treat every bump like it’s full of eggs. I slow down to almost a complete stop. It takes two seconds longer but saves thousands. It’s not worth the rush.

[VanKimberly]

From an engineering standpoint, it's a matter of force. A speed bump is designed to create a vertical acceleration event. When you hit it fast, the force exerted on the suspension and chassis is significantly higher than the system is rated for during normal driving. This can exceed the yield strength of components like spring perches or shock mounts. Essentially, you're asking parts meant for gradual loads to handle a sudden, sharp impact, which leads to metal fatigue and failure over time.