You’re driving along, everything’s fine, and then—bam—you accidentally hit a curb.
At first, it might seem like no big deal, just a little jolt. But then, your dashboard lights up with the dreaded check engine light, and now you’re left wondering what just happened.
Maybe your car is still driving okay, or maybe you’ve noticed something feels off—like trouble accelerating, weird noises, or even a slight pull to one side. It’s frustrating, right? You’re not sure if this is a minor issue or the start of an expensive repair.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many drivers find themselves in this exact situation, and the good news is that figuring out what’s wrong doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the possible reasons your check engine light came on after hitting a curb, what you can do about it, and how to prevent further damage to your car.
Table of Contents
Is It Normal to Have Your Check Engine Light On When You Hit a Curb?
Yes, it’s pretty common for the check engine light to come on after hitting a curb, but it’s not something you should ignore. If you’ve just experienced this, you’ll definitely want to figure out why your check engine light is on to avoid any additional headaches down the road.
Why is My Check Engine Light on After Hitting a Curb?
The impact can shake up parts of your car, like sensors or components in the exhaust system. For example, an oxygen sensor might get knocked loose, or the catalytic converter could take a hit. Even something as subtle as a misaligned steering angle sensor could trigger the light.
If you want to learn more, check out the list we’ve provided below:
1. Damaged Oxygen (O2) Sensor
The O2 sensor is tucked near your car’s exhaust, and a solid hit to the curb could have jarred it or even damaged it. If it’s not working right, your engine might not be getting the right mix of air and fuel, which could easily light up that check engine warning.
2. Catalytic Converter Damage
If the curb hit was a hard one, there’s a chance your catalytic converter got banged up. It’s part of your exhaust system and helps keep emissions clean. A dent or crack could make it less effective, leading to poor engine performance and, yep, that check engine light.
3. Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Issues
The MAF sensor keeps tabs on how much air is flowing into your engine. While it’s not directly exposed to impacts, hitting a curb could have shifted something connected to it—like the air intake system—throwing the sensor off and making your car’s computer unhappy.
4. Loose or Damaged Gas Cap
This one’s a bit of a long shot, but vibrations from hitting a curb might’ve loosened your gas cap. If it’s not sealed properly, fuel vapors can escape, which your car sees as an issue. It’s a quick and easy thing to check before digging into bigger problems.
5. Transmission Damage
If you drive a front-wheel-drive car, the transmission is near the front of the vehicle—exactly where a curb hit would land. A strong enough bump could damage it or bend parts, causing issues that might trigger the check engine light.
6. Fluid Leaks
A hard impact can crack things like your oil pan or damage seals, leading to leaks. Low oil or transmission fluid levels mess with how your car runs and can set off the check engine light. If you see puddles under your car, this could be the culprit.
7. Exhaust System Damage
Your exhaust system can take a beating from a curb impact too. Whether it’s the muffler, brackets, or even the catalytic converter, any damage or misalignment can mess with how your car runs and cause that warning light to show up.
What to Do If You Hit a Curb and Your Check Engine Light Is On
It’s a good idea to inspect your vehicle or take it to a mechanic to make sure there’s no serious damage and to avoid bigger issues down the line. But if you want something more detailed, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you assess and address potential issues
Pull Over Safely and Inspect for Visible Damage
The first thing you should do is pull over safely and take a look at your car.
Check the tires and wheels for any obvious damage like punctures, bulges, or bent rims. If the curb hit was hard enough, it might’ve also impacted the underside of your car, so take a peek underneath to see if anything looks out of place, like fluid leaks, hanging parts, or dents.
While driving, keep an ear out for unusual sounds or vibrations.
Things like rattling, grinding, or shaking could mean something got damaged, like the suspension, steering components, or exhaust system. If you notice the car isn’t driving as smoothly as before, that’s a sign to investigate further.
Monitor Vehicle Handling
Pay close attention to how your car handles after the curb hit.
Does the steering feel off or harder to control? Is the car pulling to one side? These could mean your wheels are out of alignment, or there’s damage to the steering system.
Issues like these might seem small, but they can cause long-term wear and tear if not fixed.
Use an OBD-II Scanner to Retrieve Error Codes
If your check engine light is on, using an OBD-II scanner can save you a lot of guesswork. These tools plug into your car and give you error codes that explain why the light is on.
If you don’t have one, many auto parts stores will scan your car for free, or you can head to a mechanic for a diagnostic check.
This step can help pinpoint whether the issue is related to something like a sensor, a fluid leak, or a more serious component.
Consult a Professional Mechanic
Once you’ve gathered some information, it’s a good idea to visit a mechanic for a professional inspection.
Even if nothing seems majorly wrong, they can catch issues you might miss, like subtle damage to the suspension or exhaust system.
It’s always better to address potential problems early, as ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs down the line.
Avoid Driving if Serious Issues Are Detected
If the damage seems serious—like major fluid leaks, flashing warning lights, or severe handling issues—don’t try to keep driving.
Continuing to drive could make things worse or even put you in danger. In cases like this, it’s safer to have your car towed to a repair shop for a proper inspection.
By following these steps, you can effectively assess and address any issues arising from hitting a curb, ensuring your vehicle remains in good working condition and safe to drive.
FAQs
How much will it cost to repair a car after hitting a curb if the check engine light is on?
Repair costs can really vary depending on what’s wrong, and unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If it’s something small, like a loose gas cap or a quick sensor recalibration, you might only spend around $50 to $100. But if the impact caused damage to bigger components like the suspension, steering system, or exhaust, you could be looking at a repair bill in the range of a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
Can I still drive my car if the check engine light is on after hitting a curb?
If the check engine light is steady and your car seems to drive normally, you might be able to drive it short distances to a repair shop. However, if the light is flashing, you notice fluid leaks, or the car feels unsafe to drive (e.g., pulling to one side or making strange noises), it’s best not to drive. Continuing to drive under these conditions could cause more damage or put you at risk.
Can hitting a curb cause long-term damage to my car?
Yes, hitting a curb can cause long-term damage if the impact affects critical components like the suspension, steering, or exhaust system. Issues such as misaligned wheels, bent suspension parts, or damaged sensors can worsen over time if not addressed, leading to uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential safety risks. It’s important to inspect and repair any damage promptly to avoid these long-term problems.
Why should you consider it? Well, it makes driving in and out of your driveway so much smoother and stress-free. Plus, you won’t have to worry about whether your check engine light will pop on because of a pesky curb. It’s a simple solution to keep your car (and your peace of mind) in great shape!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We take pride in being experts when it comes to car damage caused by curbs. Whether you’re curious about this topic or our products, we’re here to help and ensure you’re well taken care of.
We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding how to address your check engine light issue. If you have more questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to connect with us. Take care, and we look forward to helping you!
