Is it a problem if the car chassis is hit?
2 Answers
Minor impacts are generally not a problem. However, if the exhaust pipe or the catalytic converter under the car chassis is hit, it may cause a malfunction in the vehicle's exhaust system. If the vehicle's suspension is hit and deformed, it can lead to issues with the wheel alignment, resulting in the vehicle pulling to one side or producing unusual noises. Impact Resistance Measures: Generally, car chassis are treated to withstand minor impacts when leaving the factory. However, severe impacts may damage parts such as the front bumper, suspension, and exhaust pipe. The most concerning issue is scraping the bottom of the chassis, which can damage the fuel tank, engine oil pan, and brake system fluid lines. For safety, it's advisable to have your car lifted during regular car washes for inspection. Developing Good Driving Habits: It's important to develop good driving habits. When driving on uneven roads, muddy paths, or over speed bumps, be extra cautious to avoid high-speed impacts that could damage the components of the car chassis.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered quite a few instances of undercarriage scrapes. When the undercarriage gets hit, it really depends on where and how severe the impact is. If it's just a light scrape, there might not be any major issues—perhaps just some scratches. But if you hit a protruding rock or a deep pothole with significant force, it could damage the oil pan—that's where the engine oil is stored, and if it leaks, the engine could be ruined. Additionally, the exhaust pipe might get bent, causing a hissing sound and even emitting smoke while driving. Worse yet, there are suspension components underneath the chassis; a heavy impact could misalign the wheels, making the car unstable at high speeds and prone to tipping during sharp turns. Once, I drove over a speed bump carelessly and scraped the undercarriage. The next day, I heard a creaking sound when starting the car and immediately took it to the shop—it cost me around 700 to 800 yuan to fix. So, if something happens, don’t panic. First, stop and check underneath for any oil leaks or deformations. If something feels off, head straight to a repair shop. Safety should always come first; otherwise, minor issues can escalate into major problems. Regular maintenance can also help prevent such incidents.
