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 components
You may not feel a difference right away, but the wear on your tires will begin to show fairly quickly.
Suspension Components Can Bend or Shift
Hitting a curb sends force through more than just the tire. The suspension system absorbs that impact, and parts like control arms, ball joints, and tie rods can get bent or damaged. The rubber bushings that hold everything in place may also tear or loosen. Once these parts are compromised, you might notice the car feeling loose over bumps, or the steering starting to feel vague or off-center.
Wheel and Tire Damage Isn’t Always Visible
Even if the tire didn’t pop and the wheel looks okay, there could still be hidden damage. A slightly bent rim might not cause a flat, but it can lead to vibrations that get worse at certain speeds. The tire itself may develop internal bulges, which make it unsafe even if it holds air. These problems don’t always show up right away, which is why it’s smart to have things checked after any hard impact.
Changes in Steering and Ride Quality
After a curb hit, you might feel the steering wheel is off-center, or the car wanders more than it used to. That could be a result of alignment issues or something deeper in the steering linkage. In some cases, the power steering rack or subframe can even shift slightly. If turning feels uneven, or you hear new clunks or squeaks, those are signs that the impact did more than just knock the wheels out of line.
Why It Pays to Get the Car Checked Promptly
Waiting too long after a curb impact can lead to bigger problems. Uneven tire wear means you’ll be replacing tires sooner. If suspension components wear out because they’ve been bent or stressed, repairs can become more expensive. A shop that handles alignment and suspension checks will be able to catch these issues early. Sometimes a simple realignment is all you need. Other times, they may find a bent part that needs replacement to restore safe handling.
Get Professional Suspension Service at B & L Automotive in Newport News, VA
If your car feels different after hitting a curb, let the team at B & L Automotive take a look. We’ll inspect the wheels, alignment, and suspension system to make sure nothing was damaged. You’ll leave with a car that drives straight, handles smoothly, and keeps your tires wearing evenly.
Call or stop by to schedule your inspection today.