Hitting Curbs

[ThirdMazda]

I see movies and tv shows showing Jeeps and other SUVs driving off-road through very rough terrain, including over boulders.

I assume those vehicles are sturdy enough to do that without requiring an alignment after each outing. Is that true of the CX-5? Specifically, can it withstand the occasional running into an unexpected parking lot curb without needing subsequent alignment?

 

[sm1ke]

Depends on speed and the angle of contact with the curb. If we're talking parking lot speed, clipping the back tire on a parking curb, no, alignment probably won't be necessary.

Best thing to do is check for uneven tire wear periodically, that will tell you if you need an alignment or if there are other issues.

 

[HyFlyer]

True story ... Mrs HyFlyer one misty/drizzly night driving our 2016.5 touring AWD through a shopping area parking lot ran right over an "island" [ <-- my face listening to the story wondering how do you do that lol] she figured maybe 20-25 mph. Hit it hard enough to break a belt in the right front tire and crack/bend the wheel. The right rear was fine although it went over the island as well. Anyway, the alignment and suspension components checked out 100% fine no problems! I figured surely something would've been messed up. Nope. Just a new tire and a wheel repair.

So, pretty tough IMHO!

 

[ThirdMazda]

Thanks, both inputs are good to hear!

Although ... I'm sure I wouldn't be happy about replacing a wheel. OTOH, I don't drive that fast in parking lots. Normally.

 

[madar]

I turned on a street that was all frozen ice and slid into the curb fairly hard and jumped it, the rear wheel took the the blunt force instead of the tire and knocked the toe adjustment out of alignment. Depends where you hit it and how hard. A tire hit would be more forgiving.

 

[ThirdMazda]

Ouch!

No, I'm only worried about tires.

Regarding frozen ice, I remember a couple times in my 1981 RX-7 ("FirstMazda") where I tried to change lanes after I had already started braking. I didn't hit anything, but not recommended. As I recall (decades ago), I did a complete 360 on a greasy stretch in the rain the first time, and the second time (slow learner, huh?) I did some major fish-tailing before I steered into it and straightened out (the car, I mean).