Picture this: you’re driving, perhaps making a quick turn or parking in a tight spot, when suddenly—bam!—your car’s wheel hits the curb.
It happens in an instant, and at first, you might think it’s just a small bump. But then you notice something unusual: your wheel seems misaligned, or worse, it’s pushed back into the wheel well.
Now, you’re left wondering what kind of damage you’ve done and what to do next. If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
This guide will help you understand the possible damage, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Table of Contents
Is It Safe to Drive With a Wheel That’s Been Pushed Back After Hitting a Curb?
Definitely NOT. Driving with a pushed-back wheel is unsafe. Misalignment and damaged components can compromise handling, increase tire wear, and lead to further mechanical issues.
The best thing that you can and should do is have your car towed to the nearest reliable repair shop.
Which Car Components are Likely Damaged When a Wheel is Pushed Back After Hitting a Curb?
Commonly damaged components include the control arms, tie rods, struts or shocks, steering knuckles, and possibly the wheels or rims. These parts can bend or break due to the impact, leading to alignment and handling issues.
Check the section below to understand why and how these parts could have been damaged:
Control Arms
Control arms connect the wheel hub to the vehicle’s frame, allowing for controlled movement. A significant impact can bend or break these arms, leading to misalignment and improper wheel positioning.
Tie Rods
Tie rods link the steering system to the wheels, facilitating directional control. Damage to tie rods can result in poor steering response and misaligned wheels.
Struts and Shocks
Struts and shocks absorb road impacts and maintain vehicle stability. A curb impact can damage these components, causing handling issues and uneven tire wear.
Steering Knuckles
Steering knuckles connect suspension and steering components to the wheel hub. Damage here can lead to steering difficulties and wheel misalignment.
Wheels and Rims
The wheel itself may suffer bends or cracks from the impact, affecting balance and potentially leading to tire damage.
Bushings cushion suspension components. An impact can cause these to wear prematurely or become damaged, resulting in increased vibration and noise.
Now that you know the likely damages, let’s talk about how you can get out of that situation. Don’t worry, after you’re done reading the section below, you’ll be on your way to your nearest repair shop.
What Should I Do If My Wheel Has Been Pushed Back After Hitting a Curb?
If this is happening to you right now, it’s a good idea to have a professional mechanic check your vehicle. They can assess the damage and make any necessary repairs to ensure it’s safe and reliable.
But before that, you’ll need to follow the series of steps below to make it happen:
Step 1. Don’t Drive Your Car
Stop driving if your wheel is misaligned or damaged—it could make things worse and is unsafe.
Step 2. Get a Tow
Have your car towed to a trusted auto repair shop to avoid more damage and complications with your insurance.
Tip:
Keep a list of reliable towing services handy, preferably ones approved by your insurance. This helps smooth out the insurance claim process.
Step 3. Get a Professional Inspection
At the shop, ask for a thorough check to see how bad the damage is. They should look at:
Control Arms: Check for any bending or breaking.
Struts and Shocks: Look for any damage or leaks.
Tie Rods and Steering Components: Make sure everything is working as it should.
Wheel and Rim: Inspect for any bends or cracks.
This will help find all the problems.
Tip:
Share any handling issues you noticed before the inspection with your mechanic. Choose a shop known for expertise in alignment and suspension for the best diagnostics.
Step 4. Get a Repair Estimate
The shop will give you a detailed cost estimate for fixing everything. Tell them if it’s going through insurance so they can coordinate.
Tip:
Request a detailed breakdown of costs and ask about each repair’s purpose. If you can, get a second estimate for comparison to ensure fair pricing.
Step 5. Proceed with Repairs
Let the shop start repairs, replacing any broken parts like control arms, struts, or tie rods. High-quality parts are crucial for your car’s safety and performance.
Tip:
Make sure the repair shop uses OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or high-quality parts to avoid future issues.
Step 6. Perform Wheel Alignment
Once repairs are done, get a wheel alignment to make sure your car drives straight and doesn’t wear out the tires unevenly.
Tip:
After the wheel alignment, ask for the results printout. It can help you track your car’s alignment history and identify any recurring problems.
Step 7. Verify Repairs
Test drive your car to make sure everything feels right. If something’s off, take it back for more adjustments.
Tip:
During the test drive, focus on the steering feel and listen for any odd sounds. If something seems off, it might need more adjustment.
Fairly simple and quick. By following these steps, addressing the damage caused by hitting a curb can be a cinch. So don’t get nervous or blow a gasket just yet.
How Can I Avoid Damaging My Wheel and Getting It Pushed Back the Next Time I Hit a Curb?
Nobody wants this type of problem to happen to them ever again, right? – especially you.
So, to avoid damaging your wheel and having it pushed back again, you have to always drive slowly and cautiously when approaching curbs, especially while parking or making turns.
Keep a safe distance from the curb and use your mirrors and parking sensors for better awareness of your surroundings. If you’re unsure of your wheel clearance, take extra care when parking in tight spaces.
Regularly maintain your tires and suspension system to make sure that they can handle everyday impacts without causing long-term damage.
Questions, questions, questions. You might have some right now since there are things that we haven’t covered in the sections above.
Well, here are some questions that we’ve answered that can help you with your current problem of ‘pushed back wheels from hitting a curb’.
Will my insurance cover repairs for a pushed-back wheel after hitting a curb?
If you have collision insurance, your policy should cover the repairs, minus your deductible. However, coverage varies by provider and policy, so it’s important to check with your insurer. Comprehensive-only policies typically won’t cover damage from hitting a curb.
Should I file an insurance claim for damage caused by hitting a curb?
Yes, if the cost of repairs exceeds your deductible, it’s worth filing an insurance claim under your collision coverage. Document the damage with photos and collect all necessary information, including repair estimates and details about the incident. Be aware that filing a claim could affect your premiums, so weigh the costs carefully.
What are the potential repair costs for a wheel pushed back after hitting a curb?
Repair costs depend on the damage severity. Control arm replacement may cost $200–$500, tie rod repair $100–$300, strut replacement $300–$800, and wheel alignment $50–$150. An inspection will provide an accurate estimate.
How long does it take to repair a wheel that’s been pushed back after hitting a curb?
The time required depends on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs may take a few hours, while severe damage could take several days. Your mechanic can provide a more precise timeline after an inspection.
Can I fix a pushed-back wheel myself after hitting a curb?
Fixing a pushed-back wheel yourself is not recommended unless you have experience with automotive repairs and the right tools. This issue often involves damaged suspension components like control arms, tie rods, or struts, which require precision and expertise to replace or repair. A professional mechanic is better equipped to handle these repairs and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
What tools would I need for a DIY repair if I hit a curb and pushed my wheel back?
If you decide to attempt a DIY repair, you’ll need tools such as a jack and jack stands, a socket wrench set, a torque wrench, pry bars, and potentially a spring compressor if struts are involved. Keep in mind that suspension components are under high tension, and improper handling can be dangerous. Always prioritize safety and consult a repair manual for your specific vehicle.
What should I look for in a repair shop after hitting a curb?
Choose a shop with expertise in suspension and alignment, transparent pricing, and good reviews. Look for certified mechanics or facilities specialized in alignment work for accurate repairs.
Conclusion
Hitting a curb and getting your wheel pushed back in a public place is a bummer as it is. So if you’re seriously contemplating this right now, wishing it never happens again, then why don’t you consider our product here at Smooth Curb?
Our very own Smooth Curb – Driveway Curb Ramp is designed to eliminate any chance of your wheels getting pushed back by those dangling curbs that sit outside your driveway.
By getting this, your chance of experiencing this issue lowers.
No unnecessary payments, no headaches, your insurance won’t be touched, and most of all – you’ll have a smooth breeze every time you go in and out of your driveway.
To me, it definitely sounds like a deal! So why don’t you check it out today?
If you’re looking for more topics related to this, then our blog is readily available for you. We’ve got tons of topics about curbs, cars, car damages, driveways, driveway curb ramps – you name it.
