How to Determine if the Undercarriage is Damaged?
2 Answers
You can use a lift to raise the vehicle and inspect for any scratches or deformations on the undercarriage. The following are signs of undercarriage damage: 1. With undercarriage protection plate: Generally, if the undercarriage protection plate is not cracked or damaged, it won't affect the car's undercarriage. If the protection plate is cracked, it usually indicates severe undercarriage damage, which may lead to serious issues in various aspects of the car. Immediate inspection and repair at a 4S shop are necessary. 2. Without undercarriage protection plate: Without a protection plate, scratches on the undercarriage can easily lead to corrosion, and in severe cases, damage to structural components of the undercarriage. If only the exhaust pipe has minor scratches, it won't affect the undercarriage. However, if the subframe or suspension is deformed, both the car's stability and driving safety will be compromised. If the transmission oil pan or engine oil pan is damaged, oil leakage may occur. In such cases, repairing the oil pan is sufficient, and it is recommended to have it inspected at a repair shop.
When I encounter potholes or scrape against curbs while driving, I often crouch down to check if the undercarriage is damaged, focusing on a few key areas. First, I look for scratches or dents on the surface of the undercarriage, especially near the tires and the central area, as these spots are prone to hitting obstacles. Second, I sniff for any unusual odors—leaking oil emits a gasoline or engine oil smell, which is easy to detect. Third, I listen for sounds; when driving slowly around turns or over bumps, a damaged undercarriage may produce metallic scraping or creaking noises, indicating loose or deformed components. I also recommend checking the ground after parking on a flat surface—no oil stains mean no leaks, saving hassle. If you suspect an issue, don’t delay; immediately consult a professional mechanic to lift the car for inspection. Undercarriage damage can affect the suspension or steering system, and neglecting repairs may lead to dangerous loss of control at high speeds.
