After being in an accident the tires are squealing, also car fishtails when running over a bump in the road

DAN PBADKNEE

MEMBER
2007 SATURN SKY
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

I lost control of my car earlier today, taking a turn too quickly, and I ran up onto the median! Afterwards my car tires are constantly squealing when driving straight and when I hit a bump in the road my car fishtails and sways a lot. I wasn't sure if it was a suspension problem or maybe I needed to get an alignment? I really appreciate any advice you can give me. After I made it home, which was about a 20-mile drive, I noticed the tires were pretty warm and had lost some tread. Possible alignment issue?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

From what you are describing, it sounds like you might have damaged and or broken a few suspension components.
So, the first step would be to do a thorough inspection of the suspension components. Especially the side that hit the median first.
You could have a bent wheel, broken sway bar links, bent spindle etc.
It all depends on the severity of the impact.

As you mentioned worn tires and tires being hot, which is likely due to the camber being off, likely severely.
And without a visual inspection it will be difficult to determine what might be the issue.

Also, after repairing any broken or damaged components, you will have to have the vehicle aligned to make sure of proper operations.

Please let me know of any questions or concerns.

Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/popping-noise