What are the issues if a car runs over something on the highway?
3 Answers
Whether running over something on the highway causes problems depends on the hardness of the object. Hard objects are more likely to cause damage to the car, while soft objects are less likely. Below are the relevant details: 1. Introduction: A highway, short for expressway, refers to a road specifically designed for high-speed vehicle travel. Highways have different regulations in various countries, regions, eras, and academic fields. According to China's "Technical Standards for Highway Engineering," highways are multi-lane roads exclusively for directional and lane-based vehicle travel, with full access control. The average annual daily traffic volume on highways should exceed 15,000 passenger cars, with a design speed of 80 to 120 kilometers per hour. 2. Precautions: When driving on a highway, pay attention to road signs; when passing through toll booths and entering the ramp, ensure the speed is limited to below 40 km/h, avoid overtaking, turn on the turn signal, and be aware of the traffic flow on the main road until entering the acceleration lane to speed up.
Driving on the highway and running over something is most concerning for safety, such as hitting a rock or debris causing an immediate tire blowout. A sudden loss of tire pressure can make the vehicle lose control and skid, and at such high speeds, it can easily lead to accidents causing injuries or vehicle damage. I experienced it once before—after running over a small object, the car wobbled unsteadily. Fortunately, I held the steering wheel firmly and pulled over to check, only to find a crack in the tire sidewall. The impact force at high speeds is significant, and foreign objects can even puncture the wheel hub, damaging undercarriage components, such as a cracked oil pan leaking engine oil or a crushed exhaust pipe, leading to engine overheating while driving. The key is to stay calm and avoid slamming the brakes after running over something. Slow down, turn on the hazard lights, and pull over to the emergency lane to carefully inspect tire and undercarriage damage. If there’s an issue, call for assistance and tow the vehicle to a repair shop immediately. Regularly checking tire wear can help detect potential hazards early, ensuring safety is the top priority during highway travel.
Running over foreign objects can cause significant damage to a car's mechanical components, especially the suspension system and chassis. From several experiences, I've learned that high-speed impacts can deform shock absorbers or twist springs, making the car drive with abnormal bumpiness, accelerating tire wear, or even cracking the wheel rims. Last time after running over a large wooden block, an inspection revealed that the front suspension link was bent, costing several thousand yuan to repair. In more severe cases, scratches on the chassis can damage brake lines or fuel tanks, posing a fire risk. It's advisable to stop and squat down to check for oil leaks or scratches after running over something—don't just look at the surface. Have a mechanic lift the car on a rack for a thorough inspection to prevent minor issues from turning into major repair expenses. Regular maintenance with some chassis protective coating might help.
