Is it a problem if the car chassis is slightly bumped?
2 Answers
Whether a bump to the car chassis is problematic depends on the severity of the impact. Here are the relevant details: 1. Very minor bumps will not cause any issues; 2. If the exhaust pipe or catalytic converter under the chassis is hit, it may lead to exhaust system malfunctions; 3. Damage to the vehicle suspension causing deformation can result in alignment issues, leading to vehicle pulling or unusual noises. Additional information: The car chassis primarily serves a load-bearing function and consists of the transmission system, running gear, steering system, and braking system. The thickness of its sealing material can range from 1.5 to 2.5 millimeters, which helps protect the chassis from road surface protrusions.
My neighbor was in a panic last time when the underside of his car lightly scraped against the curb while reversing. Actually, most family cars have a ground clearance of over 15 cm, so minor scrapes usually don’t cause serious damage. The key is to listen to the sound: a loud 'clang' of metal impact is a red flag, but a 'scratching' sound is mostly just the plastic underbody guard being scraped. However, you should still get down and check the impact spot—if there are oil stains near the engine oil pan or fuel tank, it needs immediate repair. My habit is to drive a couple of kilometers after a scrape to observe: fluid leaks will give off a strong oily smell, and unusual steering noises indicate suspension damage. New cars nowadays come with resin underbody guards, which are much more durable than the exposed designs of older cars. Last time my SUV scraped over a rock, the guard had a half-finger-deep scratch, but when removed, the internal parts were completely unharmed.
