Posted on 10/31/2025
It happens in an instant. You misjudge a turn or clip a curb while parking, and the jolt feels minor. But even a small impact can do more damage than most drivers realize. The problem isn’t always immediate. Over the next few days or weeks, issues will begin to appear: odd tire wear, a slight pull in the steering, or vibrations at certain speeds. These are all signs that something beneath the car isn’t right. Alignment Problems Start Small, Then Get Worse One of the most common outcomes of a curb impact is misalignment. Your wheels are supposed to point in precise directions to keep the car tracking straight and the tires wearing evenly. A hit to the side of the tire can shift those angles, throwing off the toe, camber, or caster. Even a slight shift can change the way your car handles. Left unchecked, misalignment leads to: Uneven or premature tire wear Pulling to one side while driving Reduced fuel economy Strain on steering and suspension component ... read more