How to Properly Drive Over Speed Bumps
2 Answers
Methods for driving over speed bumps are as follows: 1. Single-wheel passage: Drive with one wheel along the edge of the speed bump, allowing only one side to pass over it. This significantly reduces the "bumpiness" on the driver's side. However, long-term use of this method can cause deformation or even misalignment of the vehicle's chassis suspension. 2. Diagonal passage: Driving diagonally over speed bumps also reduces "bumpiness" noticeably, but it still harms the vehicle. This method causes uneven force distribution on the left and right suspensions, affecting components like shock absorbers and springs. Over time, it leads to inconsistent suspension travel on both sides, resulting in chassis noise. 3. Rapid passage: Many vehicles with "sport" suspensions may seem to absorb the "vibrations" from speed bumps smoothly when passing quickly. However, this behavior actually causes hidden damage to the chassis. 4. Braking while passing: Driving over speed bumps while braking prevents the suspension system from returning to its buffering state, causing significant harm to the vehicle's suspension system. 5. Straight-on passage with both wheels: Using this method, the driver experiences the greatest impact force inside the vehicle, and passengers in the back seat will feel pronounced bumpiness, possibly even being lifted from their seats, causing considerable discomfort to all occupants.
The safest way to go over a speed bump is to slow down in advance, reducing your speed to around 20 km/h, keeping the steering wheel straight, and smoothly rolling over the bump with both wheels simultaneously. Having driven for over twenty years, I've seen many accidents where cars bounced up and hit the curb due to going too fast. Speed bumps are there to make everyone slow down and pass safely, especially during rainy days or at night when visibility is low. Always glance at the roadside warning signs before approaching to gauge how slow you should go. Smooth passage not only reduces the risk of accidents but also minimizes the jolting inside the car. Remember, it's better to be slow than fast—safety first is the golden rule. Car repairs are a hassle, but personal safety is what truly matters.
