It will come as no surprise to you when you hear that every year, millions of vehicles are damaged due to road debris. What might come as a surprise is how much damage road debris can cause to your car.
You should know how to keep your car from getting damaged in case you end up in the same situation as millions of other drivers every year. Even if you take all the precautions, some accidents seem unavoidable sometimes.
Are you hoping to understand the devastating impact of road debris on vehicles, so you can avoid it wherever possible? Then you’re in the right place!
We’re here to help you understand how the things you might find on the road can hurt your car so you can protect yourself and your cars.
Understanding What Road Debris Is
Road debris can have a significant impact on your vehicle’s performance. When you drive fast over the road, anything from small pieces of metal to big chunks of asphalt can easily fly up into the air and do a lot of damage to your car.
Not only can road debris physically damage your vehicle, but it can also affect the performance of your vehicle. This can range from a decrease in fuel economy to an increase in vibration or rattling noises. Understanding what road debris is and avoiding it when possible is the best way to protect your vehicle and its performance.
Impact of Road Debris on Your Vehicle
Objects on the road can have a devastating impact on the performance of your vehicle, from the accumulation of mud or sand on the underbody to the damage caused by large rocks or sticks that may be brought up as you drive.
Road debris can make it harder to drive your car and can cause your car to use more gas and possibly have engine problems. Road debris can also clog up the engine cooling system, leading to major engine problems.
Worn tires or potholes, for example, can easily damage your car’s suspension, steering, and alignment. Thus leading to inadequate handling, braking, and overall vehicle performance.
As road debris can cause a great deal of damage to your vehicle, it is important to check your vehicle’s underbody periodically. This is for any accumulation of mud and sand, and pay attention to the overall performance of your car.
Keeping your car in good shape and getting rid of road debris as soon as possible can help it last longer and save you money in the long run.
Common Types of Road Debris
Road debris is any object that is present on a roadway, such as tire fragments, fallen branches, rocks, and other materials. All of these objects can have an impact on the performance of your vehicle, leading to wear, tear, and even damage.
Tire Fragments
Tire fragments due to road debris can have a noticeably negative impact on the performance of a vehicle. Fragments have the same mechanical properties and make-up as a car’s tires, so they can get stuck in the wheel wells or other moving parts. Thereby disrupting the car’s structure and causing further damage.
In addition, fragments can also chip away at the softer rubber tires of cars. This can result in reduced performance as well as increased noise levels when driving. This is due to the tire having a different contact area with the ground.
Fragments can even risk puncturing tires, particularly if the driver is unaware of their presence on the road or the car is operated at high speed. Fragment damage can be so bad or keep happening so often that a skilled mechanic may have to replace the car’s tires or axle. The cost of these repairs is not small.
Fallen Branches
Road debris from fallen branches can cause a lot of damage to the performance of your vehicle. Branches can be very dangerous when they enter the road, and they can damage the engine, gears, brakes, and axles and can cause a cracked windshield.
If a branch goes through the radiator, it will cause a lot of damage, make the air flow harder, and lower the radiator’s performance. If the branch is caught in some part of the car, it can lead to a misfire in the engine, clog the fuel lines, and even cause a fire.
It’s therefore important to drive with caution, watch out for potential obstacles and even slow down on roads known to be prone to fall branches. Regular check-ups on the car are also essential to maintain its performance. Safety should always come first!
Rocks
Road debris, like rocks, can have a large impact on the performance of a vehicle. When driving on the highway, rocks can become dislodged due to vehicles passing or the rough terrain of the road.
If a rock makes contact with a vehicle, it can chip or dent the paint, puncture tires, or cause further damage, depending on its size. Rocks can also get into the engine bay and get stuck in the cooling or exhaust systems, which can slow down the engine or even cause it to break down.
It’s a wise idea to invest in protective materials, like a grille, fog light guard, and Llumar paint protection film, for more protection against road debris.
Road Debris You Should Avoid
Road debris causes a considerable amount of damage to cars and can be hazardous to drivers. It is important to take safety precautions while driving and to reduce the amount of road debris on the road.
Regular vehicle maintenance and inspections are recommended to ensure optimal performance and safety. It is important to take road debris seriously and take preventative measures to protect yourself and your vehicle.
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