Don’t Ignore the fact you just Slid into a Curb…

Posted December 29, 2014

The roads are slick today in Littleton, and across Colorado. As you drive along snowy, icy roads this week, use extra caution to remain in control of your vehicle to avoid slides and skids.

At Keller Bros. Auto Repair, we’ve seen many of our customers’ vehicles suffer damage from sliding into a curb on slick Colorado roads. Even though this seems like a small mistake, hitting a curb can have major impacts on your car. Don’t ignore it! Stop by our auto shop to have an inspection before small damage causes big problems. Call us at 303-347-1010 to schedule an appointment.

Potential issues from hitting a curb:

  • Hitting a curb even going as slow as 5-10 mph can have a major impact on the performance of your tires. Tire wear damage is possible in as little as 200 miles after a curb impact.
  • Tie Rods are the connection between your steering system and the wheels. Any damage to the tie rods can severely inhibit your ability to steer, especially important when roads are slick.
  • The control arms allow up and down movement of the suspension while holding the knuckles, spindles, and axles firmly onto the car. Jarring from hitting a curb can cause extreme damage to the control arms and suspension of your vehicle.
  • A steering knuckle contains the wheel hub or spindle and attaches to the suspension components. It is variously called a steering knuckle, spindle, upright or hub, as well. Damage to steering knuckles also impacts suspension and steering your vehicle.
  • Tires and Wheels can be damaged as well. If you suspect tire damage, have it inspected immediately to avoid costly problems.

 

What should you do?

If you hit a curb, call us at 303-347-1010 to schedule your inspection as soon as possible. Our certified technicians will make sure your vehicle can keep you safely on the road, without risking extensive damage and costly future repairs.

An alignment check costs as little as $49, but can save your vehicle many miles and dollars from costly issues. If an adjustment is needed, this inspection can save many miles on your tires, and help you get more miles out of every dollar if other issues are found (by catching and fixing small problems before they lead to extensive damage and costly repairs). But more importantly, a check will provide peace of mind that you and your family will stay safe while driving, especially as it gets really cold (like the forecast shows across Colorado for the next few weeks!).

Don’t ignore the fact that you just hit a curb! Call today to have your vehicle inspected.

As the weather gets colder this week in Littleton, prepare your vehicle for the cold temperatures:

  • Consider having the power of your battery checked (cold temperatures affect the performance of your battery – if it has a low charge, you may not be able to start your vehicle on cold mornings).
  • Check the antifreeze in your radiator. Coolant/antifreeze is necessary to keep your vehicle operating at the appropriate temperature.
  • Before snowy mornings, check your windshield washer fluid. Often overlooked, the strength of this fluid is critical for visibility. Never add water to the washer fluid – this will raise the freezing point, meaning the fluid could freeze solid at much higher ambient temperatures. Instead, stop by for a quick refill of your washer fluid.

 

Stay safe and warm this week (and all winter) in Littleton. To prepare your vehicle for cold weather, stop by Keller Bros. Auto Repair for an inspection: 303-347-1010.

Categories: Car Care Tips

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