Helping Your Car Deal With Annoying (And Damaging) Bumps In The Road
by Brent Porter
Hitting a bump in the road at any speed could cause major problems for a vehicle. Employing preventive measures to reduce the damage a bump inflicts on a car is advisable. If preventive measure fail and you nail a bump, take the right steps to inspect the vehicle and have any necessary auto repair work done.
Stay within the Speed Limit
The best preventive advice to be given about hitting bumps in the road is to always stay within the speed limit at all times. Do to visibility issues, you may not always be able to avoid a bump, but you can always control how fast you drive. In turn, you are in control of how much damage a bump causes.
Check the Shock Absorbers and Struts
The better the condition of your shocks and struts, the more capable they will be to reduce damage to other components of the car. So, the next time you bring the vehicle in for any routine maintenance, request the shocks and struts be checked. If they are showing the telltale signs of wear and tear, have them replaced.
Now, you have done your best to reduce the damage a bump can on a car. Upon actually hitting a bump, you should be ever alert to any strange vehicle behavior.
Stay On Top of Brake Problems
Most mechanics warn about fluid leaks occurring after hitting a bump since the oil or transmission fluid pan could be ruptured. Few warn about brake fluid leaks. Damage to the brake system and resultant leaks are not out of the question after a car slams into a harsh bump.
If your brakes start to work less effectively in the aftermath of hitting a bump, take the car to an auto repair shop and have the system immediately checked out. Do not rely solely on a visual brake inspection. Have the tires removed and a thorough inspection of the brakes performed. This way, no major defects are missed.
Be Aware of Bizarre Car Movements
Hitting a bump super hard could lead to the suspension weakening. In turn, the car becomes prone to dipping up and down. This is not the only "strange direction" the car might move. If the car has a tendency to shift side-to-side, the alignment may have been damaged.
Weird movements may be noticeable inside the car. A shaking steering wheel is indicative the steering column could have suffered damaged.
Do Not Ignore Strange Sounds
Strange sounds might be heard after the car smashes a bump. If a grinding sound comes from under the hood of the car, a drive belt could have been loosened. Actually, a lot of different issues could occur under the hood due to impact.
All of these problems are likely to get worse in time. So, the minute you notice the car acting strangely after hitting a bump, take that as a suggestion something must be fixed. Seek assistance if needed from a company like Bonita Point Auto Care 76.
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About Me
Like many people, I can't afford to buy a new car every few years. This means that I must keep my older vehicle in top condition. Thanks to the fact that I take my car to a great shop, I do get all the benefits that come with knowing I have reliable transportation. Car maintenance covers a lot of ground. Some things I can do at home, like checking fluid levels. Other repairs and maintenance, like radiator repair or front end alignments, require professional attention. Over time, I've developed a maintenance routine that has saved a lot of money and ensures my car will easily last for several more years. If you need to keep your older car running, let me help. I'll show you how to set up a workable maintenance schedule. In the long run, you'll save a lot of time, money, and frustration.
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