Can bad roads damage an exhaust system?
We tend to think about our cars' exhaust only when something goes wrong, but it's a critical system that we need to pay attention to on a regular basis. Although it is quite durable, it can be damaged by a number of different things, including prolonged exposure to moisture and salt. That said, there are other threats to your exhaust, such as bad roads.
How bad roads damage exhaust?
There are several ways bad roads can damage your exhaust. Consider the following:
Potholes: When you hit a pothole, you definitely feel it. It shakes the whole car. However, if the pothole is deep enough, it's possible that the car could "fall through". That is, the chassis can scratch the asphalt. This means that the exhaust is in contact with the road and this can definitely cause damage.
Thrown stones: We are all familiar with rocks being thrown from the rear wheel of the car in front, but the same thing happens with your own car. If one of your front tires kicks up debris, it can easily hit the exhaust system, including the catalytic converter. While light impacts are likely to do little damage to the pipeline, the catalytic converter actually contains ceramic parts that can shatter on impact.
These are just a few of the ways bad roads can damage your exhaust. If you've encountered a pothole, chances are it's caused more damage than you might think. It can affect everything from your steering and suspension to your exhaust pipes, catalytic converter and muffler. However, an examination can help calm you down.
