Curb contact with subframe

[rationull]

Yesterday when I was parking at work in a section of the lot I don't usually park in, I pulled forward a little too much and hit the curb (at very low speed; I was just trying to inch in further). After almost 20,000 miles I still don't have close to the same feel for where the front end of this cab-forward 07 civic is as I had with my previous cars, all 80s models, after just a few thousand.

At first I assumed the air dam was all that had hit but upon further inspection this morning I noticed that the front tow hooks, attached to the subframe, have concrete scuff marks on them. Because of the uneven curb, the right hook has scuffs only on the bottom but the left one looks like it actually rammed the curb.

Now, of course, I'm worrying that I might've done some damage. Not that it would necessarily be a big deal (my girlfriend's volvo has all kinds of dings and horrible scratches on the subframe from before we owned it, and it hasn't given us any related problems). A small trauma like this isn't likely to negatively impact welds or bolts holding the subframe together or to the unibody, right?

 

[Drew99GT]

No way. I've high centered my 94 Corolla on a rock (on one of the subframe rails) before and scraped the [censored] out of the underside trying to get to a good fishing hole. Nothing's wrong with it; no alignment issues or anything. My tow hooks are completely bent from who know's what.

I wouldn't worry about it at all. I'd be more concerned about the air dam, especially on GM vehicles because it can increase the chance of overheating if it gets ripped off.

When you hit a big expansion joint or something doing 80 mph down the highway and your suspension hits the bumpstops, you're sending eons more force through the chassis of the car than lightly bumping the curb.

 

[XS650]

If it was so gentle that you thought it was just the airdam, it's not a problem.

 

[mechtech2]

If it bothers you, spray a little Rustoleum on the scratched parts.
I can't conceive of this doing any real damage, though.
It is good that you are concerned with things like this - most drivers would never consider that a problem could exist.

 

[rationull]

Thanks for the reassurance, guys. Drew, good point about how going over bumps on the freeway should stress the chassis much more than something like this, I hadn't thought of that. Mechtech, I'm not bothered by the scratched parts, since I don't really live in a rusty area.

Deep down I knew I was obsessing and that any car should be able to take this just fine but my OCD wouldn't let me get by without posting. When it comes to cars, you just gotta make sure, right?

If I try to talk to my girlfriend about this stuff she'll just give me weird looks. It's nice to have BITOG

 

[rationull]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2

It is good that you are concerned with things like this - most drivers would never consider that a problem could exist.


I just wanted to add that while it drives my girlfriend a little nuts, I've always treated my cars as though they were much more fragile than they really are. I'm not sure that actually provides any benefit, but I can't really help it.

 

[Tosh]

Originally Posted By: rationull
If I try to talk to my girlfriend about this stuff she'll just give me weird looks. It's nice to have BITOG

When they say "It's just a car!" you might need to set them straight with some sensitivity training.

 

[Junior]

Originally Posted By: rationull
Yesterday when I was parking at work in a section of the lot I don't usually park in, I pulled forward a little too much and hit the curb (at very low speed; I was just trying to inch in further). After almost 20,000 miles I still don't have close to the same feel for where the front end of this cab-forward 07 civic is as I had with my previous cars, all 80s models, after just a few thousand.


I'm sure you didn't hurt it. My question is:

Why worry about getting so close to the front of a parking spot with a short car like a civic? It isn't going to hurt one thing if you are a foot away. Not like you are diving a Grand Marquis and the rear is going to stick out of the spot.

 

[rationull]

Originally Posted By: Junior

Why worry about getting so close to the front of a parking spot with a short car like a civic? It isn't going to hurt one thing if you are a foot away. Not like you are diving a Grand Marquis and the rear is going to stick out of the spot.


Fair question. I usually don't worry about it. This particular spot is at a horrible angle and I was really just trying to straighten the car without having to back out and readjust. I'm that lazy.

 

[Junior]

Not lazy, just efficient

 

[rationull]

Normally I would agree, except it's only more efficient when it works the first time