Have you ever taken a turn a little bit too sharply in the Indianapolis or Fishers area or misjudged the space in a parking lot in the Plainfield or Bloomington areas, causing your vehicle to scrape up against or run over a curb? Of course! Most of us have. However, most of us don’t know that there can be serious damage done to your vehicle when it strikes a curb.
At Andy Mohr Collision Center, we’re happy to help you determine if there is any damage done to your vehicle and we’ll also assist in taking care of the auto repairs. The first step in taking great care of your car is to have your vehicle checked out soon, if you’ve recently hit a curb.
What Damage Can Hitting a Curb Cause?
Depending upon how your vehicle strikes the curb, there are several different ways in which it could have been damaged in the process. Thankfully, none of these issues are emergent or thoroughly damaging to your vehicle, so you should be okay to drive it in to see us.
If you simply got too close to the curb and felt the scrape, then you’re going to want to check your wheels and tires for any signs of damage. These areas may be scuffed or scratched, but you’ll want to make sure your tire didn’t sustain any damage that has caused a leak or other issues.
In addition to your tire or wheel being damaged, hitting a curb also has the power to throw off your alignment a bit. This may not be something that you notice right away, but eventually, it can cause some issues with your tires and the safety of your vehicle, so be sure to get it checked by a professional as soon as you can.
How Can I Tell If My Car’s Alignment Is Off?
If your alignment is off, it can cause your tires to wear improperly, thus causing bald spots or tire weakening and reducing the safety of your vehicle. However, if you have recently struck a curb and you’re noticing some of the following signs with your vehicle, it’s time to bring it in to see us:
- Pulling to the side – When you’re driving, if you let go of the wheel for a short period of time and the vehicle drifts to one side, your alignment is out of whack.
- Excessive vibration – If you’re feeling a vibration sensation in the steering wheel when driving straight, this is a good indication that your alignment may be off. A good way to tell if this is happening is by finding a smooth road. If you feel a vibration on an otherwise pristine driving service, this is indicative of an alignment issue.
- Logo lineup– Most steering wheels have the manufacturer’s logo at the center. If you’re driving in a straight line but that logo isn’t facing in the right direction, it’s likely you’re overdue for an alignment.
Schedule Service Today at Andy Mohr Collision Center
Many manufacturers recommend you have your car aligned at least once per year or any time you replace or repair a tire. However, we would like to add that your car should be seen by a professional if you hit a curb since there could be possible damage. We can check your alignment, tires, wheels, and other parts at one of our service centers in the Fishers, Indianapolis, Bloomington, or Plainfield areas.
At Andy Mohr Collision Center, keep your car in the best possible condition by letting us have a look. Schedule your service appointment today!