If you’ve ever driven over a speed bump a little too fast, you might have heard your car creak, your tires thud, and your passenger’s groan. It’s easy to assume that speed bumps might be bad for your vehicle, but how true is this? Are they actually damaging to your car, or is that just another myth?
In this article, we’ll break down the facts and debunk some common myths about speed bumps and whether they’re really harmful to your vehicle. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to approach those bumps—without causing unnecessary wear and tear on your car.
Myth #1: Speed Bumps Will Damage Your Car
The Truth: Speed Bumps Aren’t Harmful If You Drive Carefully
It’s tempting to think of speed bumps as little land mines for your vehicle, waiting to destroy your suspension or tires. But here’s the thing—speed bumps aren’t designed to be harmful to your car. In fact, they’re built to slow down traffic and prevent accidents, especially in places with high pedestrian activity like neighbourhoods, schools, and parking lots.
However, the damage occurs when drivers take speed bumps too quickly. Hitting a bump at high speed can cause a jolt that impacts your vehicle’s suspension, tires, and other parts of the car that need to absorb the shock. Just like slamming on the brakes too hard can wear out your brake pads, speeding over speed bumps can cause wear over time.
Pro Tip: To protect your car and avoid damage, slow down before you approach a speed bump. Going over them at 5-10 mph will significantly reduce the risk of harming your car.
Myth #2: Only Old Cars Are Affected by Speed Bumps
The Truth: All Cars Can Be Affected by Speed Bumps, Especially If Driven Poorly
It’s a common misconception that only older cars with outdated suspensions or poor shock absorption are affected by speed bumps. In reality, all cars—whether they’re old or brand new—can experience wear and tear when speed bumps are approached incorrectly.
Even vehicles with high ground clearance or stiff suspension systems (like trucks or SUVs) can suffer if they’re driven too fast over bumps. In fact, high-clearance vehicles are sometimes driven over speed bumps too quickly, as their larger tires make it tempting to breeze through. But the truth is, those bumps still create stress on the vehicle’s suspension and can lead to increased wear on tires, shocks, and springs over time.
Pro Tip: No matter what type of vehicle you drive, always reduce your speed when approaching a speed bump, especially if the bump is larger or if it’s in a poorly maintained area. This simple act can help your vehicle last longer.
Myth #3: Speed Bumps Will Cause Suspension Problems
The Truth: Speed Bumps Don’t Cause Suspension Failure—But They Can Accelerate Wear
While it’s true that constantly hitting speed bumps at high speeds might cause issues, they don’t directly cause suspension failure. That being said, suspension systems are designed to absorb the shocks and vibrations of the road, and a car’s suspension is generally built to handle bumps in the road—just not at excessive speeds.
If you repeatedly hit speed bumps too fast, the shock absorbers and suspension components will wear down faster than they would under normal driving conditions. Over time, this could lead to suspension issues, but it won’t cause an immediate breakdown or complete failure.
Pro Tip: If your car’s suspension is already showing signs of wear (like poor handling or bouncy rides), you might want to take extra care when going over speed bumps to avoid putting even more strain on it.
Myth #4: Speed Bumps Ruin Your Tires
The Truth: Speed Bumps Won’t Ruin Your Tires, But They Can Contribute to Uneven Wear
Tires are one of the most expensive parts of a car to replace, so it’s no wonder people worry about their tires being ruined by speed bumps. But the truth is, speed bumps themselves don’t typically damage tires. However, consistently driving over them too fast could lead to uneven tire wear, particularly if you’re repeatedly jolted by the bumps.
For example, sidewall damage (the part of the tire that’s most vulnerable to impact) can happen if you’re not paying attention. Over time, this uneven wear might shorten the lifespan of your tires. If your tires are already underinflated, the bumps will exacerbate the damage even more.
Pro Tip: Keep your tires properly inflated and slow down when you approach speed bumps to prevent uneven wear and avoid unnecessary damage to your tires.
Myth #5: Speed Bumps Only Cause Damage to Low-Riding Cars
The Truth: Even High-Riding Cars Can Be Affected
It’s easy to assume that low-riding sports cars are the only vehicles at risk from speed bumps, but that’s not quite true. While it’s obvious that low-clearance cars (think sports cars or sedans) are more likely to scrape the bottom of their vehicle when going over a bump, high-clearance vehicles are not immune to damage.
Even SUVs and trucks, with their larger frames and higher ground clearance, can experience strain from repeated high-speed impact with speed bumps. The difference is that lower cars may scrape the undercarriage, while high-clearance vehicles may experience stress to their suspension systems and tires.
Pro Tip: Regardless of the type of car you drive, always slow down when approaching speed bumps. It’s better for your car and your wallet in the long run.
Conclusion: Speed Bumps Aren’t Your Car’s Enemy
The bottom line is this: speed bumps don’t inherently harm your vehicle. They’re a vital part of road safety, slowing traffic in high-risk areas and making roads safer for everyone. However, like anything, they can cause issues if you don’t approach them with care.
By slowing down, paying attention to your vehicle’s condition, and avoiding unnecessary rough driving, you can ensure that speed bumps don’t become a problem for your car. Remember, it’s not about avoiding speed bumps—it’s about respecting them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can speed bumps really damage my car if I don’t slow down?
Yes, if you drive too fast over speed bumps, it can cause damage to your suspension, tires, and other components of your vehicle. Slowing down to 5-10 mph can minimize this risk.
Do all types of vehicles get affected by speed bumps?
Yes, whether you’re driving a sports car, a sedan, or an SUV, all vehicles can be affected by speed bumps if approached too quickly. It’s essential to slow down, regardless of your car type.
How can I protect my tires from speed bumps?
To protect your tires, make sure they are properly inflated and slow down when approaching speed bumps. This reduces the chances of uneven tire wear or sidewall damage.
Are speed bumps dangerous for my car’s suspension?
Speed bumps aren’t inherently dangerous, but constantly hitting them at high speeds can accelerate the wear and tear on your suspension system. Slow driving is the key to preserving your vehicle.
Is it bad for low-clearance cars to go over speed bumps?
Low-clearance cars are more prone to scraping the undercarriage on larger bumps, but the key is slowing down. Speed bumps affect all vehicles, so slowing down helps prevent damage for any car.