Is It Serious If the Front Underbody of a Car Is Scraped?
2 Answers
Whether it is serious if the front underbody of a car is scraped depends on the extent of the impact: 1. Minor scrapes are not serious; 2. If the exhaust pipe or catalytic converter under the chassis is hit, it may cause a malfunction in the vehicle's exhaust system; 3. If the vehicle's suspension is deformed due to impact, it may lead to issues with the wheel alignment, causing the vehicle to pull to one side or produce abnormal noises. The car underbody primarily serves a load-bearing function and consists of components such as the transmission system, running gear, steering system, and braking system. The thickness of its sealing material can reach 1.5 to 2.5 millimeters, which helps protect the car underbody when scraped by road protrusions.
As a seasoned off-road driver, I must say that hitting the front undercarriage of a car is no small matter. The undercarriage houses many critical components, such as the oil pan, brake lines, and steering linkage—any impact could cause them to crack or deform. Last year, I scraped mine on a mountain road and initially thought nothing of it, but soon enough, the engine oil leaked completely, nearly destroying the engine. Don’t brush it off—after parking, immediately check underneath for oil stains or deformations. If you hear unusual noises or see warning lights on the dashboard, tow the car to a repair shop right away. Even if everything seems fine, I’d recommend getting the suspension and drivetrain thoroughly inspected at a 4S shop within a few days—safety comes first. Such impacts are common on suburban roads or when parking on curbs, so driving slowly can help avoid them.
