What to Do When the Bottom of the Car is Scratched?
4 Answers
If the bottom of the car is scratched, first visually inspect the chassis to check the scratches, which can help preliminarily determine whether the chassis or engine has been damaged, and proceed with repairs accordingly. Here is the extended content: 1. The chassis is scratched when going over a curb, damaging parts such as the front bumper, tires, suspension, and exhaust pipe. 2. The car chassis is scratched when passing over a speed bump, damaging parts such as the front bumper and exhaust pipe. 3. The middle protrusion of ruts on muddy roads scratches the chassis, damaging parts such as the front bumper and suspension. 4. The chassis is scratched when going up or down a steep slope, damaging parts such as the front bumper and protruding parts of the chassis like the axle shaft and tie rod. 5. The chassis is scratched when crossing road debris, damaging parts such as the oil pan, suspension, and exhaust pipe.
Once I accidentally scraped the bottom of my car while driving, so I quickly found a flat spot to park and crouched down to check for any damage. If the scrape isn’t severe, it might just be scratches on the shell—cleaning it and applying some anti-rust paint would suffice. However, if it’s serious, you might notice oil leaking from the oil pan or a deformed exhaust pipe. In such cases, you absolutely must not drive and should call a tow truck to take it to the repair shop. It’s a good habit to avoid gravel roads or steep slopes while driving. Installing underbody armor can help prevent scrapes. During regular maintenance, remember to ask the mechanic to check the underbody protective panels to prevent damage and avoid future hassles.
When I first got my driver's license, I scraped the undercarriage several times. At first, I panicked a bit, but later learned to handle it myself: find a quiet place to stop, use the phone flashlight to check. If it's just minor scratches, no need to worry, just drive carefully in daily use. But if you find oil stains or cracks, get them fixed immediately without delay. I recommend beginners start with simple steps, like choosing low-clearance models or installing protective plates, and take a quick look at the undercarriage during weekly car washes to prevent major repair costs. In daily driving, avoid speeding and stay alert to road conditions to reduce accidents.
As the primary driver in the family, safety always comes first. If the undercarriage is scraped, don't move immediately. Ensure the safety of the whole family first, then promptly inspect the damage to check for any oil leakage risks that may affect driving. Minor scratches can be addressed with simple maintenance, but if there's obvious deformation or unusual noises, contact a professional repair shop right away. When driving with children daily, pay extra attention to avoiding rough terrain and explain the dangers to them to prevent imitation. Develop the habit of monthly self-inspections of the chassis—prevention is better than cure, ensuring safe family travels.
