RAA Car Advice Manager Andrew Clark says repeated run-ins with the kerb can affect the wear and tear of a vehicle and compromise the driver and passengers’ safety.

“No matter how hard or soft your tyres hit the kerb, it’s important you thoroughly inspect your vehicle straight away, as you may have caused more damage than you realise,” Mr Clark says.

To keep you safe and save you from a hefty bill at the repairers, here are some issues to look for after hitting the kerb.

Busted tyres

A knock to the kerb can end in more than a flat tyre. It may also lead to a dangerous blowout on the road, especially if the tyre’s sidewall is damaged.

The sidewall is the smooth area on the side of the tyre, along the edge of the tread. Punctures to a tyre’s tread can usually be repaired. On the other hand, damage to the sidewall means the tyre will need to be replaced.

Extensive damage to the sidewall can render a vehicle unroadworthy.

“That’s why cut or bruised tyres should be inspected immediately, as the condition of a tyre’s sidewall is important and supports the whole vehicle.”

Wobbly wheels

Hitting the kerb – even if you’re travelling at 5km/h – can impact your wheel alignment. So if you suddenly slam on the brakes and mount the kerb with a forceful jerk, the car may start veering to one direction when you drive.

“If this happens, your steering wheel might not point in the same straight position anymore and you may notice a slight wobbling back and forth of the steering wheel while you drive,” Mr Clark says.

“At higher speeds, you might notice hard pulling to one side – usually on the side of impact.”

If you’ve noticed your wheel alignment is a little off or your car’s suspension is compromised, get an RAA Approved Repairer to have a look for peace of mind.

Roughed up rims

The dreaded noise of your rims scratching against the kerb is up there with fingernails being dragged down a blackboard.

Aside from the unpleasant sound and scuffed hubcaps, scratches on your rims could be more sinister than you may think. In fact, any structural damage to the wheels and rims can impact the vehicle’s roadworthiness.

If the rim is bent beyond repair, it means the tyre won’t be securely and safely fitted and that can end in disaster.

“While minor scuffs are likely superficial, significant dents or bent rims could indicate a cracked wheel that needs replacing.”

How to avoid ‘gutter rash’

Tilt your left-hand side mirror down slightly so you can see how far the rear tyre is from the kerb. This will give you a sense of how far the rest of the car is from the kerb, too. Don’t forget to check your mirrors, flick your indicator on and reduce your speed before pulling up to the kerb.

Any gap between the vehicle’s tyres and the shoulder of the gutter can help a driver move away from the kerb smoothly, as long as the gap is not excessive and doesn’t obstruct other vehicles.

Remaining a safe distance – not too close but not too far – from the kerb might help prevent those gutter-grazing gaffes.