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What Happens When You Hit a Curb

The Consequences of Hitting a Curb: Damage and Symptoms

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of hitting a curb, you know how unsettling it can be. Whether it happens due to poor visibility, icy conditions, or a momentary lapse in attention, hitting a curb can cause serious damage to your vehicle. The impact may seem minor, but the consequences can be far-reaching. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to check when you hit a curb, what to do if you can’t drive your car afterward, the most common types of damage, their symptoms, and how much you can expect to pay for repairs.

What to Check First After You Hit a Curb

The first step is to assess the immediate damage. Here’s what to check:

• The steering wheel is now off-center— That’s a sign you bent a suspension or steering component.
• The tire rubs against the fender— That’s the sign of a bent control arm.
• The vehicle pulls to one side as you drive— A pull after hitting the curb is almost always the sign of a bent steering or suspension component.
• Noise as you drive— A scraping, thumping, creaking noise after a curb hit is usually an indication of serious damage.

All of the above symptoms mean that you should not drive the vehicle. Get it towed.

Other Visual checks after you hit a curb

• Check the Tire and Wheel: The tire is the tire bulgemost vulnerable part of your car when you hit a curb. Look for visible damage like a sidewall bulge, cuts, or a flat tire. Also, inspect the wheel for cracks, dents, or bends.

A tire bulge poses an immediate danger of a blowout. Remove the bulge and install the spare tire.

• Look for Fluid Leaks: If the curb impact was significant, it might have damaged the oil pan, transmission, or power steering system. Check under the car for any signs of leaking fluid.

• Test the Brakes: If your braking feels weaker or uneven, you may have damaged a brake component, such as a rotor, caliper, or even an ABS sensor.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair Damage After Hitting a Curb?

The cost varies depending on how hard you hit the curb and the wheel’s angle.

For example, in the images below, you can see that the wheel is no longer centered in the wheel well. That severe impact bent the control arm, the tie rod, and most likely the strut.

Control Arm Replacement (1 side): $750
Tie rod replacement Inner and outer: $360
Strut replacement: $600
Damaged Tire: $175
Damaged Alloy Wheel: $600
Alignment: $125 Total: $2,610

This image shows the damage from hitting a curb.

The impact has bent the control arm, and the wheel is no longer centered in the wheel well.

Average and Maximum Repair Costs

The total cost to repair damage from hitting a curb depends on what’s broken. Here’s a rough estimate:

Minor damage (alignment, wheel repair, or tire replacement): $100–$500
Moderate damage (tie rods, control arms, or multiple tires/wheels): $750–$2,600
Severe damage (multiple suspension components, wheel hub, or transmission case damage): $1,500–$5,000

If the damage is extensive—such as a bent frame or broken transmission case—the repair costs can exceed $5,000. In some cases, it might make more sense to consider selling the vehicle or claiming insurance rather than repairing it.

Understanding Suspension and Steering Components

Hitting a curb can bend or break critical suspension and steering components. Depending on the speed of the impact, hitting a curb can bend the control arm, tie rod, strut, and even the steering knuckle. See the image below to learn where each component is located and what each does.

This image shows all the components of the suspension and steering system

Suspension and Steering System Major Components

Control Arm: A control arm connects the steering

this image shows a control arm

Typical control arm

knuckle to the frame of the vehicle. It allows the steering knuckle and wheel to move up and down as you drive. The control arm works with the suspension’s bushings and ball joints to absorb road shocks and provide a smooth ride while keeping the wheel properly positioned in the wheel well. If you hit a curb, the control arm can bend or even break.

This image shows a new and bent control arm

New control arm and control arm bent from hitting a curb. Notice the buckled end and the bent bushing

Tie Rod: The tie rod connects between the steering gear and the steering knuckle. It’s responsible for transferring the movement of the steering gear to the wheel. In a rack and pinion steering system, each tie rod contains an inner and outer tie rod end. Each end is a ball and socket arrangement that allows the tie rod to move up and down and turn left and right.

tie rod

Photos and cut-away illustrations of an inner tie rod and outer tie rod end

bent tie rod

If you hit a curb, chances are high that you’ve bent at least one tie rod.

Strut: A strut is a structural component of the suspension system. It combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single, compact unit.  The unit supports the vehicle’s weight, dampens spring oscillations to prevent the tires from bouncing and provides a smooth ride. Since the strut is directly connected to the steering system, it influences wheel alignment. A substantial curb hit can bend the strut, causing serious misalignment and requiring strut replacement.

This image shows a new strut and a bent strut that was damaged by hitting a curb

This image shows a new strut and a bent strut that was damaged by hitting a curb

 

Bent or Cracked Wheel: A hard curb impact can bend a steel wheel, but usually cracks an alloy wheel. Symptoms: Vibrations at high speeds, loss of tire pressure, or visible damage to the rim.

Repair Cost: A bent steel wheel can sometimes be repaired for $75–$200, but a replacement alloy can cost $300–$1,000, depending on the type of wheel.

this image shows damaged wheels

Tire Damage: Symptoms: Sidewall bulges, uneven wear, or a sudden flat tire.

Repair Cost: If the tire has a bulge or sidewall damage, it must be replaced. A new tire ranges from $100–$300, while a full set can cost $400–$1,200.
©, 2025 Rick Muscoplat

Posted on by Rick Muscoplat



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