Does driving over a pothole at 60 mph affect the car?
3 Answers
Driving over a pothole at 60 mph can affect the car, primarily impacting the tires. Impact on tires and rims: Hitting a pothole at high speed can easily cause bulges, deformation, or damage to the tires, and in severe cases, may even lead to tire blowouts or rim damage. Impact on brake bearings: The sudden impact from hitting a pothole at high speed may cause irreversible damage to the bearings inside the brakes, leading to loose wheels or regular abnormal noises during subsequent driving. Impact on the body and electrical system: Severe vibrations can also cause varying degrees of deformation to the car body, cracking or loosening of interior and exterior trims, and deformation of electronic circuit boards and connectors inside the car, resulting in open circuits, poor connections, or short circuits.
Honestly, hitting a pothole at 60 km/h can cause significant damage to your car. I've been in this situation before - once on the highway when I hit a deep pothole at that speed. The car jumped violently with a loud 'bang', and my heart sank immediately. After inspection, I found the right front tire had developed a bulge and had to be replaced, costing me several hundred dollars. Moreover, the suspension system takes a heavy impact, particularly the shock absorbers and steering knuckles which are prone to damage. This may cause the car to pull to one side or produce abnormal noises while driving. The wheel rim could also deform, affecting handling safety. The key issue is that such high-speed impacts put stress on the entire vehicle structure. Over time, tiny cracks may develop in the frame. My advice is to slow down below 20 km/h when encountering potholes - don't take the risk. After returning to the garage, it's best to check tire pressure and the undercarriage. If any issues are found, consult a mechanic promptly to prevent minor problems from becoming major repairs. After all, cars are expensive investments - being careful never hurts.
Hey, as someone who frequently goes on road trips, I believe hitting a pothole at 60 km/h definitely has consequences. Last week, I drove my SUV quickly through a puddle at a similar speed of 60 km/h, and the suspension system protested—after driving a few hundred meters, I felt steering wheel vibrations. When I stopped, I noticed a slight bend on the wheel rim edge. The impact was so strong that the tire could instantly bulge or burst, affecting grip. Suspension components like shock absorbers are more prone to fatigue damage, which can shorten their lifespan over time. I recommend easing off the accelerator before hitting any potholes and slowing down to 10-20 km/h for a smooth pass. Afterward, test-drive on a flat road to listen for any unusual noises or body tilts. Remember this lesson to save thousands in repair costs. Modified car enthusiasts should be even more careful—those chassis parts are expensive, and repairs can be a hassle. A happy trip is always better than dealing with car repairs!
