Does driving over a pothole at 60 km/h damage the suspension?

[LydiaAnn]

Yes, it can cause damage. The suspension system refers to all the force-transmitting connecting devices between the car's frame and the axles or wheels. Its function is to transmit forces and torques acting between the wheels and the frame, cushion the impact from uneven road surfaces to the frame or body, and dampen the resulting vibrations to ensure smooth driving. Excessive impact can damage the suspension, causing deformation and degrading its performance. Here are some relevant details: 1. Precautions: Driving over potholes at high speeds can easily damage the tires, especially for vehicles with stiff suspensions and heavy bodies. Therefore, when encountering such road conditions, it is essential to slow down. 2. Symptoms: Driving at 60 km/h over potholes can have certain effects on the suspension, mainly including changes to the four-wheel alignment parameters and wear on the chassis rubber bushings. If the suspension is damaged, it cannot provide effective cushioning and shock absorption for the body. When driving on bumpy roads, the body may shake, twist, and experience strong vibrations, which are among the most common symptoms of a damaged suspension.

[McEloise]

When I was younger, I was always in a hurry while driving and often sped over potholes at 60 km/h. It didn't take long before the suspension started having issues. Once, after hitting a big pothole, the car jerked violently, and afterward, the body kept swaying while driving. After inspection, I found out the shock absorber was deformed, and the springs were slightly bent too—costing me over a thousand to fix. The suspension system includes components like shock absorbers and ball joints. Hitting potholes at high speed generates an astonishing impact force, like being struck by a heavy punch. At best, it can cause oil leaks and strange noises; at worst, it can snap the tie rods. My advice is to slow down to under 20 km/h before hitting potholes and avoid slamming on the brakes—this helps prolong the suspension's lifespan. Also, the depth of potholes and weather conditions matter; water-filled potholes during rain make it harder to judge the danger. Now, I approach potholes with caution, and my car is much healthier and drives more steadily. In short, driving isn’t a race—going slower is safer and saves on repair costs.

[Marilyn]

As an experienced driver, I've noticed that hitting potholes at 60 km/h can significantly damage the suspension, as the impact force multiplies with speed, overloading components like shock absorbers and control arms. If the pothole is deep, the sudden impact might even crush the springs or unbalance the tires, drastically shortening the suspension's lifespan. Having driven various models, I find SUVs handle it slightly better due to their higher center of gravity, whereas sedans are more prone to strange noises and alignment issues. Once, while checking a friend's car right after he hit a pothole at high speed, we found the suspension squeaking—turned out the connecting parts had loosened. My advice: slow down before hitting potholes and avoid sudden acceleration on bumpy roads. Regularly check tire pressure, as low pressure combined with impacts worsens damage. Also, perform routine suspension maintenance, like checking for shock absorber leaks, to avoid costly repairs later.

[DelDawson]

I've only been driving a small car for a little over a year, and once accidentally hit a pothole at 60 km/h. There was a loud bang inside the car, which scared me into pulling over to check. The suspension could really be damaged, especially the shock absorbers and suspension arms. High-speed impacts can cause them to deform or crack, leading to severe body sway over time and uneven tire wear. I asked a mechanic, and he said small potholes aren't a big deal, but hitting large ones at high speed is definitely bad. A friend's car had its front wheel alignment messed up because of this, making the steering unstable. Now, I've learned to slow down over bumps to avoid unnecessary inspection costs. Simply put, protecting the suspension starts with driving habits—slowing down is key.