Does Hitting the Car Chassis Have Any Impact?
2 Answers
Minor impacts to the car chassis are generally harmless, but severe collisions can cause damage. Methods to prevent chassis scratches and impacts include applying chassis armor and installing an engine guard, as detailed below: Applying Chassis Armor: Chassis armor can be sprayed on exposed areas of the vehicle such as the chassis, wheel hubs, fuel tank, lower body panels, and trunk. It quickly dries to form a tough, elastic protective layer that not only prevents impacts from flying stones and gravel but also shields against moisture, acid rain, and salt corrosion on the metal parts of the chassis. This helps prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring the safety of the vehicle. Installing an Engine Guard: An engine guard is a custom-designed protective device for various car models, primarily aimed at preventing mud from accumulating around the engine and protecting it from damage caused by uneven road surfaces during driving. Not all car models come with this feature, so owners without one can opt to install it.
Last month, while driving my friend's car on a rural road, the undercarriage hit a large rock. I didn't pay much attention at the time. Later, the car started making strange noises, and when towed to the repair shop, it turned out the oil pan was cracked, causing engine oil to slowly leak out, nearly damaging the engine. The mechanic said minor impacts might only affect the exhaust pipe or underbody shield, but severe ones could harm critical components like brake lines or the fuel tank. Now I know that no matter how minor the impact seems, it's best to stop immediately, check for oil stains or fluids on the ground, and have the undercarriage inspected as soon as possible. When driving through rough areas, slowing down is essential, and installing an underbody shield can also help. This time, the repair cost was minor, but it was a valuable lesson—regular maintenance should include checking the undercarriage's condition.
