Are You Zooming Over Speedbumps? Here’s How It’s Damaging Your Car

Speed bumps, although sometimes seen as nuisances, serve an important purpose in maintaining safety on roads, particularly in residential areas. Their presence is intended to compel drivers to reduce their speed and exercise caution, ensuring the well-being of pedestrians and other road users. While it may be tempting to speed over these obstacles, doing so can have detrimental consequences, not only for others but also for the vehicle itself.

• Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers play a crucial role in the suspension system of a vehicle, providing a smooth and controlled ride by dampening the vibrations and impacts caused by uneven road surfaces. They are designed to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy generated when a vehicle encounters bumps, potholes, or speed bumps.

When a vehicle travels over a speed bump at high speed, the shocks are subjected to a sudden and substantial amount of energy. Ideally, the shock absorbers compress and expand to absorb and dissipate this energy gradually, preventing it from transferring to the vehicle’s body and passengers. However, when the shocks are overwhelmed by excessive force, their ability to absorb the energy effectively diminishes.

• Tyres

When you zoom over speed bumps, your car tires are subjected to significant stress and potential damage. The intense force of speeding over speed bumps can cause the wheels to hit the bump harshly, leading to potential wheel damage. The rims may bend, crack, or develop fractures, compromising their structural integrity. The impact of zooming over speed bumps puts excessive stress on the tires, causing accelerated wear.

To minimize the risk of damaging your car tires when encountering speed bumps, it is crucial to approach them at a safe and controlled speed. Slowing down allows the tires to absorb the impact more gradually, reducing stress and minimizing the risk of damage. Regularly inspecting your tires for signs of sidewall damage, tread wear, and maintaining proper inflation levels can help identify potential issues early on and ensure optimal tire performance and longevity.

• Exhaust

While speed bumps may not directly damage the exhaust system in most cases, a forceful impact can potentially cause harm. It’s essential to exercise caution when encountering speed bumps and drive at appropriate speeds to minimize the risk of damage to various components, including the exhaust system, and maintain a safe and compliant vehicle.

When the car strikes a speed bump forcefully, it can lead to bending, dislodging, or even breaking of these components. Such damage can result in exhaust leaks, misalignment, or detachment of parts, which can adversely affect the performance of the vehicle. A damaged exhaust system can disrupt the exhaust flow, potentially affecting engine efficiency, power output, and fuel economy. In severe cases, it may even lead to engine misfires or reduced acceleration.

• Steering

Shocks play a crucial role in maintaining stability and control during steering manoeuvres. They help dampen the vibrations and oscillations caused by irregularities on the road, ensuring a smoother and more predictable steering response. When shocks are damaged or worn out due to excessive speeding over speed bumps, they may struggle to effectively absorb these vibrations. This can result in increased steering instability, making it more challenging to maintain a straight course or properly control the vehicle.

It’s important to note that shocks are just one component of a complex suspension system, and their proper functioning is essential for the overall performance and safety of the vehicle. If you suspect that your shocks have been compromised due to excessive speeding over speed bumps, it is advisable to have them inspected and replaced if necessary, by a qualified mechanic at the nearest Midas Service Centre.

Now that you’re aware of the potential damage you can cause by speeding over a speedbump, not to mention the cost involved in repairing such damage, you should be more conscious when approaching a bump in the road.

By driving responsibly, adhering to speed limits, and approaching speed bumps at appropriate speeds, you can minimize the strain on your shocks and preserve the integrity of the entire suspension system. This, in turn, helps maintain proper steering, wheel alignment, and braking capabilities, enhancing safety on the road.

For more information or if you need a repair caused by speedbumps, contact us today for expert service.