My Spark Got hit underneath - what to look out for?

devnull · 13th March 2008, 14:12

Hi,
Last night as I was driving back home, there was this really broad speed breaker that came up. Since it was quite broad, I didn't slow down too much and was doing around 30+. The car was fully loaded. As I was completing the speed breaker, the bottom of the front part of my car hit the road. I have a Chevy Spark and heard a few people pointing out the low ground clearance in it.
Anyway, there was this really awkward screeching sound and I am still feeling damn ****ty about it

. Since it was late night and I had to start early morning today, I haven't had much of a chance to check it. But didn't see anything leaking or untoward before starting today.

Still, I'm very much concerned and want to know the preventive steps I should take? Anything specific that I should check? And will this cause any problems in future? :-(

Thanks,
Rahul

djay99 · 13th March 2008, 14:26

Dude dont worry. I have had such incidents happened with my spark couple of times.
Next time make sure to drive slowly over big speedbreakers when loaded.
Spark has a GC of 170MM which is ok for indian roads. There are some vehicle breakers (big speed breakers) but make sure you drive slowly.

To be on a safer side and for peace of mind, get your vehicle checked by GM service guys.

dadu · 13th March 2008, 14:26

- Check the place where you parked overnight for leakages
- Visually check the damages, it might be just the bottom of the bumper or some guard.

But if you are too concerned take it to the A.S.S, they'll put it up the ramp and check.

thirst4torque · 13th March 2008, 14:26

If there is nothing leaking(inspect the place where you had parked the car last night carefully) then there is probably nothing to worry. But it will be better if you get it checked at the service station. Be cautious when you are negotiating a hump, my friend's alto took a similar hit and the gear box casing had to be replaced.

bblost · 13th March 2008, 14:34

The worst speed breaker in Hyderabad is in Uma Nagar (Begumpet) on the lane adjecent to Life Style near St Francis College.
any one going on that road be careful. You will scrape unless your speed is under 10 kmph.

PatienceWins · 13th March 2008, 14:49

Dont worry, check the place you had parked yesterday night for any leakages.

devnull · 14th March 2008, 11:17

Thanks everyone for the replies. Yes, I'm certainly going to be more careful from now on while negotiating bumps. I checked the underneath thoroughly yesterday and things seem to be fine. Just some scratches just below the bumper. There was no leakage anywhere. Also, I have driven quite a bit since then and everything seems normal.

So I guess I escaped this time.

gd1418 · 15th March 2008, 12:27

Whether you've ample GC or not, vehicle has to be driven carefully over speedbrakers and potholes, unless your tail is on fire...!

A small oversight or undue hurry can result in a major damage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by devnull

Thanks everyone for the replies. Yes, I'm certainly going to be more careful from now on while negotiating bumps. I checked the underneath thoroughly yesterday and things seem to be fine. Just some scratches just below the bumper. There was no leakage anywhere. Also, I have driven quite a bit since then and everything seems normal.

So I guess I escaped this time.

thatsam · 20th March 2008, 13:06

Hey!
I would still recommend going to a garage. Something similar had happened to me on my OHC. I had hit one of those rocks that truckers leave on the road to mark their disabled vehicles. This guy hadnt bothered to chuck the rocks off the road once his truck had moved. Anyway I had significant damage to the AC condenser and the radiator had also bent. I would recommend you get it checked before going for a longer drive.

Sam Kapasi · 20th March 2008, 13:28

Quote:

My Spark Got hit underneath - what to look out for?