Did the loud bang when driving over a pothole without slowing down damage the car?
2 Answers
Generally, driving over a pothole without slowing down and hearing a loud bang won't cause damage. Here's an explanation about driving over potholes: Potential harm: You can determine if the suspension is damaged by observing whether there is any deviation in steering, unusual noises while driving, or if the shock absorbers are leaking oil. If you're still concerned, you can have it inspected on a lift if possible. Shock absorbers: The suspension system of a car absorbs most of the impact force when hitting a pothole. After driving over a pothole, besides checking the tires, which is essential, the car's suspension might also be affected. If the tires and rims show no obvious damage, it indicates that most of the collision energy and impact were absorbed by the suspension system.
I've encountered similar situations while driving before. A loud noise when quickly going over a pothole is usually a sign of damage to the suspension system, such as a cracked shock absorber or deformed spring. Scratches on the tire sidewall can cause bulges or even blowouts, and wheel deformation affects balance. Impacts to the chassis may lead to oil leaks or other damage. The noise indicates that the impact force exceeded the car's capacity to withstand it. Failing to inspect it promptly can make driving unstable, worsen the problem, or even lead to loss of control. I recommend going to a professional repair shop for diagnosis—they have the tools to test suspension elasticity and tire pressure. For prevention, pay attention to road potholes while driving, slow down in advance, and protect the suspension system to extend the car's lifespan and save money and hassle. Long-term neglect of such damage increases repair costs and affects safe driving, especially on highways where slowing down before potholes is a crucial habit.
