Will Scraping My Car On A Rolled Curb Cause Damage?

You know that horrible feeling when your car scrapes the bottom on a curb or speed bump? You go cold and immediately wonder: “Did I just damage my car?“

If you drive a car with low ground clearance, you’re probably all too familiar with this situation – especially if your driveway has a rolled curb. But here’s the big question:

Can scraping the bottom of a car cause damage? Let’s break it down.

What Happens If I Scrape The Bottom Of My Car?

A single scrape? Probably not a huge deal. But repeated incidents? That’s a different story. Scraping the bottom of your car on a curb or speed bump – especially if you do it often – can cause damage to various vehicle components.

If you experience undercarriage scraping sounds regularly (particularly over a rolled curb), it may be time to inspect for wear and tear.

Types Of Car Undercarriage Damage From Curb Impacts

Here are the most common types of damage from scraping a curb, ranging from cosmetic to more serious mechanical issues:

1. Corrosion

Constant scraping removes protective coatings underneath your vehicle. Exposed metal can rust, especially in wet or salty environments. Long-term corrosion can lead to serious issues.

2. Suspension Damage

Constantly bumping a curb will prematurely wear suspension bushings causing sloppy handling. Hard curb impacts may bend tie rod ends and sway bar links. The result is a vehicle that feels ‘loose’ to drive, and your tires may wear out prematurely.

3. Driveshaft Damage

Even one dent can knock your driveshaft out of balance and may cause U-Joint failure as well. Undercarriage damage symptoms include shuddering, clunking or rattling noises.

4. Front End Alignment Problems

A small impact can throw off your wheel alignment. Signs of misalignment include uneven tire wear, poor handling and reduced fuel efficiency.

5. Fluid Leaks

Constant scraping – or sometimes just one big hit – can cause damage to your oil pan, differential housing or transmission casing. If you notice any fluid leaks under your vehicle, get it checked before the damage gets any worse.

6. Underbody Panel and Plate Damage

Repeated hits weaken protective plates, leading to less protection in future impacts. Protective coverings like skid plates can also hang loose, causing scraping noises while driving. 

7. Minor Body Damage

Look out for damage to your bumper or rocker panels, this can cause rust and result in costly repairs.

What Are The Repair Costs For Undercarriage Damage?

While the exact pricing for repairs to undercarriage caused by rolled curbs varies based on the severity of the damage and the vehicle, the table below gives you a rough idea of how expensive it can be to fix your vehicle:

How To Inspect Your Car After Scraping a Curb

If you’re unsure about the extent of damage, follow these steps:

• Look underneath: Use a flashlight to check for visible dents, scrapes, or leaks.
• Listen for sounds: Note any undercarriage scraping sounds or clunks while driving.
• Check alignment: Is the steering pulling? Uneven tire wear?
• Look for leaks: Fluid on the ground or along the undercarriage is a red flag.

If you notice any of these signs of undercarriage damage, it’s best to have a professional inspection carried out.

How To Avoid Scraping The Bottom of Your Car

Looking for ways to avoid scraping the bottom of your car? These are your options:

1. Drive over every curb at slowly and diagonally. This requires space and patience but helps avoid direct contact.
2. Use a BRIDJIT Curb Ramp. One of the best ways to prevent curb impact car damage, especially if your driveway has a rolled curb, is by installing a high-quality curb ramp.

Why Choose BRIDJIT Curb Ramps?

BRIDJIT ramps are built for straightforward DIY installation. Their modular design features interlocking sections that require no special tools, making setup quick and simple even for those with limited experience.

Benefits of our BRIDJIT 3-piece Curb Ramps

• Reduces Curb Impact By Up To 80%, Preventing Excess Vehicle Wear and Tear
• No Jolt – Smooth Entry and Exit Over Rolled Curbs
• Use In Any Weather – Built-In Water Channel Allows Drainage
• 3-Piece Curb Ramp Set Covers Almost 12ft of Rolled Curb Driveway
• Made In The USA 

Take a look at our Curb Ramp offerings: 

• BRIDJIT 3-Piece Expandable Curb Ramp Set
• BRIDJIT Curb Ramp Set with Extra Center Section (4 pieces)
• 47″ Extra Center Section For BRIDJIT Curb Ramp Set

For detailed installation guides, visit our BRIDJIT installation page.

Thanks to their durable rubber construction, the ramps remain securely in place once installed, without the need for bolts or permanent fixtures. Avoid expensive damage to your vehicle and order your BRIDJIT Curb Ramps today.