Sharp turn gently scraped curb?

Tiny
ALYLAROSA485
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  • 2025 KIA FORTE
  • 38 MILES
Got new vehicle and during a sharp turn gently scraped curb and car elevated for a second then dropped back down like a light little bump on the curb (going slow only 5-10mph). Curb was fairly low only a few inches in height. PSI still 36-37 and no curb rash. Should I be okay, or is alignment affected?
Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 AT 6:16 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
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There are three main alignment angles. One in particular affects pulling to one side when you let go of the steering wheel. Next, due to the carefully-designed geometric relationship of all the moving suspension parts, if something shifted that results in a pull, it will usually also cause the steering wheel to be off-center. It takes very little damage to cause the steering wheel to shift position. If you find it's still straight, and there's no objectionable pull, the alignment is most likely unaffected.

The third thing to watch for takes a long time to show up. That's tire wear patterns. Watch for accelerated wear on just the inner or outer edge of the tread on one or both tires. A different kind of wear is a choppy feeling when you run your fingertips one way over the tread, and you don't feel that when running your hand the other way. That affects both tires pretty much equally.

A lot of mechanics automatically check tire wear during other routine services, such as oil changes. If no mention is made, ask to have that checked. That's just a quick visual check that takes a few seconds.
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Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
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I noticed the curb was fairly low, only like 3-inches high, and the car was going slow rolling to a stop, and it just grazed curb but no change in PSI or noticeable change wheel issues.
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Saturday, July 5th, 2025 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
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It was super slow speed and just a little bump, but I checked undercarriage and no scrapes or anything unusual.
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Saturday, July 5th, 2025 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
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Steering and suspension systems are built very weak and flimsy compared to older vehicles, but they do stand up to most bumps and pot holes. It sounds like nothing has changed related to anything to do with the alignment, so there's no damage or need for an inspection. Keep an eye on tire wear for objectionable patterns, or ask your regular mechanic to give a quick peek to that each time the vehicle is in for service.

Other things to watch for includes new rattles or thumping sounds when driving over bumpy roads, as well as developing a pull or off-center steering wheel that I mentioned already. If anything develops, come back and tell me about it.
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Saturday, July 5th, 2025 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
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Not sure if this photo helps but this was the picture beneath the car not sure if you can tell if alignment is off by a photo, but I inspected and there’s no damage to tires or undercarriage and wheel is centered.
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Sunday, July 6th, 2025 AT 10:38 AM
Tiny
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Alignment problems can't be seen this way unless something has been terribly damaged. Based on everything you've said, it sounds like there is nothing to worry about. If you're still in doubt, have the vehicle inspected at any tire and alignment shop. Many of them do that at no charge, or at no charge if you have needed repairs done by them.
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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
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I had did a test drive and when letting go, wheel appeared centered and no odd noises. I think it should be fine because it was a fairly shallow curb and I was rolling to a slowed stop so it went super slow. Also it wasn't the pointed edge of the curb it was the smoothed out center part. Would that be less of an issue?
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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
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You're overreacting to a normal occurrence. I can't see the vehicle or tug and wiggle to look for loose or bent parts. That's why it needs to be inspected by a live person. Nothing you've said suggests this was any different than hitting normal pot holes and bumps. Last year I was surprised by ice and slid into a curb with my '94 Grand Caravan at close to 25 mph. At the last instant, I turned the wheels so the right front would drive over the curb instead of slide sideways into it. No damage, no off-center steering wheel. No objectionable tire wear, no bent wheel; just a bruised ego. I did say vehicles are built much more flimsy today, but they are designed to hold up to things that normally happen. Have the vehicle inspected, then let me know what they find.
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Monday, July 7th, 2025 AT 2:45 PM

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