Will driving over a deep pothole damage the car?
2 Answers
Generally, driving over a deep pothole at low speed won't cause significant damage. Vehicle designs already account for potential undercarriage scraping situations, and such sounds typically originate from the chassis or shock absorbers. If the noise is particularly loud, it's advisable to stop and inspect the vehicle. Below are relevant details about driving over deep potholes: 1. Vehicles are assembled from various components, each with its own force tolerance. Severe jolts, such as hitting a pothole at high speed, generate tremendous force due to acceleration, posing a major test to component durability. 2. Beyond the engine, deep potholes can affect the chassis and suspension system. Particularly deep potholes may damage the undercarriage, while sudden jolting forces could impact the suspension and shock absorbers. Excessive force might even lead to axle fractures or suspension breakage.
Last time my friend's car hit a deep pothole, the tire bulged and blew out, costing a fortune to replace. Hitting deep potholes with great impact is most likely to damage tires and rims, and at high speeds, they may deform or burst directly; suspension systems such as shock absorbers and springs can also be damaged, leading to oil leakage and making the car unstable and shaky; undercarriage components like the oil pan or exhaust pipe are more prone to scratches and cracks, with oil leakage being very dangerous. I recommend stopping immediately after hitting a pothole to check the wheels and undercarriage for any unusual noises or fluid leaks. Regular suspension maintenance can reduce such risks, and avoiding deep potholes while driving is the safest. Promptly visiting a professional shop for inspection can fix small issues early and save big money—safety first.
