Hit a Kerb? Here's What You Should Check Immediately

It happens in a split second.

You're parking, avoiding another car or turning a corner a little too tightly, and you hear that unmistakable scrape against the kerb.

Your first thought is usually about the wheel.

Your second is often, "It'll probably be fine."

Sometimes it is.

Sometimes that small impact is enough to knock your wheel alignment out, damage a tyre or put extra stress on suspension parts.

The sooner you know what to look for, the better chance you have of avoiding a bigger repair later.

Start With the Tyre

The tyre takes the first hit, so that's the best place to begin.

Walk around the vehicle and have a close look at the tyre that struck the kerb.

Look for:

• Cuts in the sidewall
• Bulges or bubbles
• Pieces of rubber missing
• Visible cords
• Anything lodged in the tyre

Sidewall damage is one of the biggest concerns after a kerb impact.

Unlike the tread, the sidewall can't usually be repaired if it's been weakened.

If you're unsure, don't guess. It's worth having the tyre inspected properly.

Check the Wheel

Even a low-speed impact can damage a wheel.

Sometimes the damage is obvious.

Other times it's much harder to spot.

Look for:

• Scratches that are only cosmetic
• Cracks
• Bent wheel edges
• Missing pieces of alloy

A small scrape might only affect the appearance.

A bent wheel can lead to vibrations, uneven tyre wear and air leaks.

Does the Steering Feel Different?

Once you're back on the road, pay attention to how the car feels.

Ask yourself:

• Is the steering wheel still straight?
• Does the car pull to one side?
• Does it feel different going around corners?
• Do you need to keep correcting the steering?

If the answer is yes, the wheel alignment may have been affected.

This is one of the most common problems we find after a kerb strike.

Listen for New Noises

Your car often tells you when something has changed.

After hitting a kerb, listen for noises that weren't there before.

That could include:

• Knocking sounds
• Rattles
• Humming noises
• Vibrations

These don't always mean major damage, but they do mean it's worth having the vehicle checked.

Check for Vibrations

If the steering wheel starts vibrating after the impact, don't ignore it.

A vibration can be caused by:

• A damaged tyre
• A bent wheel
• Wheel balancing issues
• Suspension damage

The vibration might only appear at higher speeds, which is why some drivers don't notice it straight away.

The Alignment Might Be Out Even If the Car Looks Fine

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming there's no damage because they can't see any.

Wheel alignment problems are often invisible.

The vehicle might still drive reasonably well, but the tyres could already be wearing unevenly.

We've seen plenty of cars where the only sign of a kerb impact was unusual tyre wear a few months later.

By then, the damage had already been done.

Don't Forget About the Suspension

The force of a kerb strike doesn't stop at the tyre.

It travels through the suspension and steering system.

Depending on the impact, parts that can be affected include:

• Suspension bushes
• Ball joints
• Steering arms
• Shock absorbers
• Struts

Most of the time these parts are fine, but it's worth checking if the impact was hard or the steering feels different afterwards.

Can You Keep Driving?

That depends on what you find.

If there's obvious tyre damage, a bulge in the sidewall or the steering feels unsafe, it's best not to keep driving until the vehicle has been inspected.

If everything looks normal and the car drives as it should, you're probably fine to continue.

Even then, it's worth booking an inspection if you've hit the kerb hard.

Small problems are much easier to fix before they become expensive ones.

What We Check After a Kerb Impact

When someone brings their car to us after hitting a kerb, we don't just look at the tyre.

We check the areas most likely to have been affected.

That includes:

• Tyre condition
• Wheel damage
• Wheel alignment
• Suspension components
• Steering parts

Once we've inspected everything, we'll explain exactly what we've found.

If there's no damage, we'll tell you.

If something needs attention, we'll explain why before any work is carried out.

Questions Drivers Often Ask

Q- Can hitting a kerb damage a tyre?

A- Yes. Even if the tread looks fine, the sidewall may have been weakened.

Q- Will I always need a wheel alignment?

A- Not always. It depends on how hard the impact was and whether the alignment has actually changed.

Q- Can a scratched alloy wheel still be safe?

A- Yes. Many scratches are cosmetic. The concern is whether the wheel has bent or cracked, which isn't always easy to see without an inspection.

Q- Why does my steering wheel feel crooked after hitting a kerb?

A- That's often a sign the wheel alignment has moved. It's worth having it checked before uneven tyre wear develops.

Q- Is it safe to drive after hitting a kerb?

A- If the tyre, steering and handling all feel normal, it may be safe to continue driving. If you're unsure, or you notice any changes, it's best to have the vehicle inspected.

A Quick Check Today Can Prevent Bigger Repairs Tomorrow

Hitting a kerb doesn't always lead to damage, but it's not something to ignore either.

A few minutes spent checking your tyres, wheels and steering can help prevent uneven tyre wear and avoid more expensive repairs later.

If you've recently hit a kerb and something doesn't feel quite right, bring your car into Goodyear Autocare Blacktown. We'll inspect it properly, explain what we find in plain English and only recommend the work your vehicle actually needs.