Will driving over a pothole at 60 mph affect the car?

[LaKinsley]

At this speed, if the pothole is relatively large, it can have a certain impact on the suspension and a significant effect on the tires. Small potholes are not a problem. Car protection when driving over potholes: Cars are equipped with shock absorber settings to prevent chassis impacts. Simply put, each time the shock absorber moves, it compresses less and rebounds more—compressing by one centimeter may result in a rebound of two centimeters. When the car encounters a pothole or bump, it's like wearing spring shoes; it will still lift slightly. At this point, even if the depth of the pothole is almost equal to the height of the car's chassis, because the car lifts slightly, it may not necessarily hit the pothole. Even without a protective plate, it might not hit. Precautions for driving over potholes at high speed: During high-speed driving, pay close attention to the road conditions ahead. If there are obstacles or uneven road surfaces, try to avoid them or reduce speed (release the brake just before the wheel enters the pothole) and pass through slowly at a steady speed. Do not steer when going over a pothole to reduce lateral impact. If the vehicle must drive onto a roadside step, observe carefully and try to approach it head-on, driving up the step slowly from a gentle slope at low speed.

[AnthonyAnn]

I've encountered a similar situation before. After driving over a pothole at 60 km/h, the car shook noticeably. I didn't pay much attention at the time, but the next day I noticed the steering wheel was slightly off-center and the tires were wearing unevenly. It might have damaged the suspension system, especially the shock absorbers and lower arms, which could cause the car to wobble and become unstable over time. The wheel rims might also be deformed, leading to tire leaks or blowouts. It's best to check the chassis for scratches and the tires for cracks on the same day. Usually, slowing down to below 30 km/h when encountering potholes can avoid these troubles. Hitting potholes at high speed creates a tremendous impact, potentially damaging critical components in an instant. Replacing parts yourself can be quite expensive, so it's better to go to a professional shop early for a four-wheel alignment and balance test. Don't try to save a little money only to end up with bigger problems. A car is like a person—a sudden jolt can affect its overall balance. Developing gentle driving habits is very important.

[VanLeilani]

I've been repairing cars for many years and have seen many car owners come to the shop with similar issues. Driving at 60 km/h over potholes can cause significant damage to the vehicle. The impact can over-compress the shock absorbers, even leading to oil leaks, and the wheel hub bearings may also wear out or deform. Suspension components like control arms and ball joints are prone to loosening, making the chassis creak while driving. Tires endure enormous pressure and may bulge or split, especially at high speeds, increasing the risk. It's advisable to stop immediately and check for abnormal tire wear, then take a short drive to listen for any unusual noises from the chassis. If you notice the steering pulling to one side or strange sounds, get it inspected promptly to avoid costly replacements of the entire suspension system later. Always pay attention to road conditions and slow down in advance when encountering potholes—it's a smart move. Keeping the wheels properly aligned can also reduce the chances of damage.

[Pearl]

I've also experienced pothole impacts while driving before. After hitting a pothole at 60 km/h, the car's bumpiness increased significantly, possibly due to deformation of the suspension system from the impact. Slightly bent rims can lead to premature tire wear and cause the car to pull to one side. Tires subjected to high impacts are prone to blowouts, and the underbody protection plate might get scratched. It's best to check the vehicle's condition on the same day, paying attention to any strange noises and whether the steering wheel remains stable. Pothole issues are magnified at high speeds, so it's advisable to slow down when passing through such road sections. Promptly addressing minor issues can prevent chain reactions, such as suspension damage affecting steering accuracy. Regularly checking tire pressure and tread depth can enhance durability. Safety comes first—don't let small oversights lead to major disasters.