1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Quick questions about running over something hard

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by rsgillmd, Dec 31, 2010.

  1. rsgillmd

    rsgillmd Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2009
    38
    3
    0
    Location:
    Memphis, TN
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    While driving to work this morning as I was coming down a mini-bridge I noticed an obscure substance in the roadway in my lane. I couldn't tell what it was (it was dark) and by the time I noticed it, it was too late to change lanes.

    I ran over it and heard a disquieting sound of solid interacting with the bottom of the car. It might have been a piece of wood because it looked (in my rearview mirror) like it broke as part of it rolled into the next lane The car drove fine, and I didn't see any obvious damage from the outside when I pulled into the parking lot a minute later.

    My questions:

    1) Other than looking for fluid or hanging parts, is there anything else I should do when I get off work tomorrow morning?

    2) Is there anything critical in the undercarriage of the Prius that is easily damaged that I should pay particular attention to?

    Thanks for any help you can give me.
     
    #1 rsgillmd, Dec 31, 2010
  2. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    5,683
    952
    124
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I've run over a road debris in a previous car and it pierced the gas tank. Insurance covered a new tank under comprehension.
     
    #2 32kcolors, Dec 31, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  3. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Most of the underside is protected by a plastic cover. Most likely no damage.
     
    #3 JimN, Dec 31, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  4. timo27

    timo27 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2009
    316
    52
    0
    Location:
    Baltimore, MD
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    If you can get a look underneath it and verify that there are scrapes on the plastic but all the mounting clips are there, it might give you peace of mind. Otherwise, I'd just keep an eye out for leaks or any change in the way it handles over a few days, and, if nothing, probably not worry. The only way you could be absolutely sure would be to get it up on a lift and inspect it (yourself if you're comfortable with that, or have a mechanic look). I agree w/ JimN, though--the car is so low and the undercarriage (up front anyway) has a plastic cover and, as long as it's not flapping in the breeze, probably no worries. No absolute way to tell without looking at it thoroughly, though--probably you need to be the judge of how bad it sounded and whether it warrants taking it to the vet, so to speak.
     
    #4 timo27, Jan 1, 2011
    1 person likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)