Speed bumps don’t mean any harm. In fact, they’re designed to protect the safety of pedestrians and other drivers by slowing motor vehicle traffic. Despite their good intentions, however, speed bumps can do a number on your tires if you aren’t careful. To learn how speed bumps affect your car’s tires, continue reading.

How speed bumps affect your car’s tires

When traveled over properly, speed bumps pose no threat to your vehicle. However, if you go too fast or don’t notice the speed bump in time, significant tire damage may ensue. The reason why speed bumps are so detrimental to your car’s tires is due to the impact of your vehicle hitting the ground after going too fast over them. Speed bumps are around three to four inches high and a foot long. While they may not seem that large, they can give your vehicle a bit of air if you hit them fast enough. As your vehicle lands back on the ground, the sides of the tires are driven into the ground. Whenever your sidewalls touch the ground, they are at a significant risk for damage and blowout.

Tips for going over speed bumps without damaging your tires

Speed bumps are designed to slow down drivers. If you give them what they want, they’ll leave your vehicle unharmed. In other words, the key to protecting your tires when going over a speed bump is to slow down. Ideally, you shouldn’t go faster than 5 mph when traveling over a speed bump. Any faster and you’ll likely experience a substantial jolt that can harm your tires—not to mention several other parts of your vehicle such as its shocks, steering, exhaust system, and bumpers. Now that you understand the risks of going over a speed bump too fast, we know you’d never intentionally speed over one. However, accidents can happen. If you end up going over a speed bump too quickly and damage your tires, RNR Tire Express has you covered. We stock hundreds of brands as well as custom styles, all to help you find tires that fit your vehicle perfectly. We have a tire shop in Savannah, GA, as well as several other locations around the U.S. To find a store near you, contact us today.