What are the impacts if a car's chassis is hit by a stone?
3 Answers
If the subframe, suspension, engine oil pan, or transmission oil pan are not scratched, there will be no impact on the car. However, if only the protective plate or anti-rust coating on the chassis is scratched, it may lead to rust on the car's chassis. Below is relevant information about the chassis: 1. Introduction: The chassis refers to the combination of the transmission system, running system, steering system, and braking system on a car. It supports and installs the car's engine and its various components and assemblies, forming the overall shape of the car, bearing the engine's power, and ensuring normal operation. 2. Function: The chassis supports and installs the car's engine and its various components and assemblies, forming the overall shape of the car, and receives the engine's power to enable the car to move and ensure normal operation. At the same time, a good chassis can ensure the driver's safety.
Last time my car's undercarriage also got hit by a rock when I was driving too fast on a rural road and didn't notice. That loud metallic clanging sound was terrifying - I immediately pulled over to check and found some oil droplets on the ground. My biggest fear was the oil pan cracking and leaking engine oil, which could cause the engine to seize up without lubrication. If the exhaust pipe gets dented, it would also cause strange rattling noises, especially when going over speed bumps. Damage to undercarriage wiring is even more troublesome, potentially causing ABS failure and affecting braking performance. I rushed to the repair shop for a lift inspection, and the mechanic said the skid plate was deformed but fortunately no critical components were damaged. Now I always slow down to 20 mph when encountering rough roads - safety comes first above all else.
With ten years of experience in car repair, I've seen too many cases of undercarriage impacts. Common issues include oil pan cracks leading to oil leaks, transmission oil pipe fractures causing gear shift failure, and exhaust pipe dents resulting in poor exhaust flow and increased fuel consumption. Deformed suspension ball joints can cause the steering wheel to pull to one side, and bent steering tie rods are even more dangerous. The most hidden issue is a shattered catalytic converter, which leads to excessive emissions and failed annual inspections. I recommend checking these areas immediately after an impact: park for ten minutes to check for fluid leaks on the ground, test drive at low speeds to listen for unusual noises, and turn the steering wheel to full lock to check for stiffness. Don't wait until a breakdown on the road to regret it—minor issues often escalate into major repairs.
