Which parts are usually damaged when a car bottoms out?
3 Answers
When a car bottoms out, it usually damages the undercarriage, causing scratches that are prone to rusting, and may also lead to deformation of the undercarriage. In severe cases, it can even damage the engine. Below is relevant information about car bottoming out: 1. Introduction: Bottoming out refers to the car's chassis hitting the ground or protruding objects like stones while driving. 2. Preventive measures against car bottoming out: (1) Install an engine guard. An engine guard can protect the engine from impacts by road debris and scratches from foreign objects, but this practical feature is not available on all car models. For models without this guard, you can choose to install one made of metal, resin, or plastic. (2) Apply undercoating. (3) Be aware of your car's ground clearance.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered undercarriage scraping several times, mainly when going over bumpy areas where it gets scraped. The most common damage is to the oil pan—if it gets punctured and leaks oil, it's a big hassle, as the engine can easily burn out. The exhaust pipe is also prone to denting or breaking, which causes a buzzing sound. The transmission casing can get damaged, and repairs are costly and time-consuming. Once the undercarriage guard plate gets deformed, it needs to be replaced. The suspension system can sometimes get misaligned, leading to uneven tire wear. It's advisable to stop and check for oil leaks immediately after scraping the undercarriage and take the car to a repair shop for inspection—don't drive too far, or the hidden risks will worsen. Always pay attention to road elevation when driving, and modified cars especially need to be cautious about ground clearance.
In undercarriage scraping incidents, the oil pan and exhaust pipe are the most vulnerable areas. My car once suffered from this when the undercarriage was scraped on a bumpy road, resulting in oil leaking everywhere, a deformed exhaust pipe, and even damage to some transmission brackets. Some cars have thin undercarriage armor that can break upon impact. Wires and oil lines are also prone to being torn, leading to power loss or fluid leaks. If this happens, immediately turn off the engine and check the extent of the damage. When towing for repairs, inspecting the protective plates and suspension points is crucial. Installing a thicker undercarriage armor can provide better protection. Avoid driving too fast on unpaved roads and maintain a steady speed.
