Remember the last time you cringed as your car scraped over a speed bump? If you’re driving a lowered car right now, then that cringe might be a frequent reaction.
In this guide, we’ll make sure that you’ll go over speed bumps in a way that’s comfortable, safe, and most of all, no scraping whatsoever.
After we’re done here, you’ll be cruising over these mini road mountains like they’re nothing.
Table of Contents
How Do I Go Over Speed Bumps While Driving a Lowered Car?
Driving over speed bumps in a low car requires careful handling due to the vehicle’s lower ground clearance, which increases the risk of undercarriage damage.
Here’s a general guide on how to navigate speed bumps safely in a low car:
1. Slow Down
Decrease your speed as you approach the speed bump. This helps minimize the impact and reduces the risk of damaging the car’s undercarriage or suspension.
2. Approach at an Angle
Instead of approaching the speed bump head-on, try to approach it at an angle. This technique allows one wheel at a time to go over the bump, which can help distribute the impact more evenly across the vehicle, lessening the chance of scraping the bottom.
As you go over the bump, make sure your wheels are straight. This helps in maintaining stability and preventing undue stress on the vehicle’s suspension.
Maintain a slow and steady speed when going over the bump. Avoid abrupt braking or accelerating, which could cause the car to bounce and potentially scrape the undercarriage.
5. Use Proper Tires and Suspension
Ensure that your tires and suspension are in good condition. Well-maintained tires and a functional suspension system can absorb shocks better and minimize damage when navigating bumps.
Regularly inspect your car, especially the undercarriage and suspension, for any signs of damage or wear that could be exacerbated by speed bumps. Regular maintenance can help identify issues before they become serious problems.
7. Use the Whole Lane
When possible, position your car to straddle the bump, allowing the tires to roll over the smoothest part of the bump. This distributes the car’s weight more evenly and reduces stress on any one part of the vehicle.
8. Upgrade Suspension
Consider investing in adjustable suspension systems like air suspension or coilovers. These systems allow you to raise the height of your car temporarily, providing better clearance for speed bumps.
9. Install Protective Gear
Skid plates can be installed to protect the undercarriage of your vehicle from scrapes and bumps. These plates act as a shield for vulnerable parts like the oil pan and transmission.
Additional Tips for Handling Speed Bumps in Low Cars
So we’ve reviewed methods to prevent damage to your lowered car’s undercarriage when going over speed bumps.
Here are additional tips to ensure we’ve covered all possible preventative measures.
Plan Your Route
Use GPS and mapping apps to plan routes with fewer speed bumps. Avoiding roads known for large speed bumps can save your car from potential damage.
Check Vehicle Load
Always consider the load your vehicle is carrying. A heavily loaded car sits lower, making it more susceptible to scraping on speed bumps. Lightening your load can help increase clearance.
Increase Awareness
Pay close attention to road signs that might indicate upcoming speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, allowing you more time to slow down appropriately.
Know Your Car’s Clearance
Be familiar with the exact clearance of your car. Knowing how much space is under your vehicle can help you make better decisions about which bumps you can safely drive over and which ones to avoid.
FAQs
How can I tell if my car is too low for safe driving over speed bumps?
Understanding the clearance of your car is crucial for safe navigation over speed bumps. You can measure the distance from the lowest point of your car’s undercarriage to the ground. If this measurement is less than 4 inches, your car may be considered too low for some higher speed bumps, and caution should be used.
What are some common signs of damage from speed bumps in low cars?
Look out for signs such as scrapes on the undercarriage, damage to the exhaust system, and issues with the suspension. Frequent bottoming out or harsh impacts when driving over bumps can also indicate that the car is suffering from potential damage due to insufficient clearance.
How often should I inspect my low car for damage if I frequently encounter speed bumps?
It’s wise to inspect your car at least biannually, or more frequently if you regularly travel on roads with numerous speed bumps. Pay special attention to the suspension, tires, and undercarriage during these inspections.
Conclusion
Driving lowered cars has always been challenging, especially when encountering less than ideal conditions.
Speed bumps, curbs, and damaged roads are all experiences that can be tough on your car. While the solutions mentioned above may help, they aren’t foolproof every single time.
That’s why we recommend checking out our product, the Smooth Curb – Driveway Curb Ramp. It helps lowered cars like yours navigate the ins and outs of your driveway with ease.
The need for careful driving, finding angles, and so on—as you would when going over a speed bump—won’t ever cross your mind when using our curb ramp.
With us, you’ll not only learn the importance of knowing how to drive over a speed bump with a lowered car, but you’ll also discover much more.
