Speed bumps are there to slow down traffic and are typically well marked to ensure that drivers have plenty of time to acknowledge them and slow their speed.
However, there are occasions when you may hit a speed bump a little too quickly, either from not slowing down enough or from not knowing the bump is there. In these instances, the jolting sensation and loud bang can be quite disconcerting, leaving you wondering what damage has been done to your vehicle and specifically your wheels and tyres…
What Happens To Tyres When You Hit a Speed Bump?
You don’t have to be going quickly over a speed bump for it to have an effect on your tyres – though hitting these bumps in the road with too much speed is certainly one of the biggest causes of sidewall compression and damage.
When you hit or drive over a speed bump, the tyres are compressed and then decompressed quickly, leading to wear on certain parts of the tyre that hit the bump. Hitting a speed bump too quickly combines this compression and decompression with sudden shock, which can cause the sidewall to become strained and can lead to cracks, bulges and even tyre blowouts.
If you approach a speed bump very quickly, another issue that may occur is the misalignment of the tyres, as they get knocked out of place. This increases the rate of wear and affects vehicle handling – not to mention, it affects suspension and the comfort of the driving experience.
How to Minimise Damage Caused by Speed Bumps
The reality is that speed bumps are deliberately aggressive in their shape and position, as they are meant to slow a car down as it approaches. If you drive over or at the bump too quickly, it can cause undue damage to the structure and stability of your tyres and also impact tyre pressure and longevity.
The best way to minimise the risk of damage is to slow right down when approaching a speed bump. By slowing down, you give the vehicle’s suspension time to soak up much of the shock of the bump, so that it isn’t transferred into the wheels and tyres.
Beyond that, other things to do include regularly checking the tyre pressure to ensure it is kept at an optimum level, as well as inspecting tyres for signs of damage such as cracks and bulges.
Speed bumps are there to keep the roads safe and to help manage traffic – but if approached too quickly, or too often, they can cause damage to tyres. Make sure to keep an eye on the condition of your tyres and address any concerns efficiently to minimise further damage.
