I was going along an empty access road doing about 65 with intentions of going under an overpass so I could turn around.

Well, the turn was a little sharper then I intended and I took the turn at about 50. As soon as I realized I was going to fast, I slammed on the brakes. The tires started screeching and BAM! I'm not sure how fast I was going when I hit the curb, but I hit it, and the whole car went on the curbed section of the turn. Which is just a raised cement section of the road.

It's hard to explain. It all happened so fast. So while I'm on this raised up section, I turn off the car. My first thought, is that my tires blew. And then I expected to see my front bumper laying in the road. Both of which were false.

In fact, the only thing that happened besides a little curb rash on the front right wheel was positive; and that was it put my front bumper which was drooping a little on the left side back in line.

Everything else feels and reacts fine. I was wondering if there's anything I should check for that could have hurt the car that I'm not aware of.

I was being stupid, I know. I learned my lesson. Sometimes it's hard to take turns in Mini's slow until it's to late I guess.

Won't happen again!

 

I would at least take it in to check the alignment. When it's on the rack, have them do a look around for any other damage.

Jim

 

Also check the tires for a bubble inside and out. Might not have blown but you might have damaged the side walls.

 

I'd be willing to bet you did some Lower Control Arm Bushing damage. I barely slid into a curb last winter and tore one all to hell.


They are weak to begin with.

Hope (for your sake) I'm wrong though...

 

Also check the tie rods.

 

How would I go about checking these items?

 

how about u post some pics...

 

There's nothing to take a picture of other then the curb rash on the front right wheel.

Unless there's something that you want me to take a picture of specifically.

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong... I think the easiest way to check for damage to the front suspension, is to jack up the car and grab the wheel and push/shove it from side to side and see how much play the wheel has. If everything is kosher you should not get much, if any play. If you can move the wheel a half inch or so (or some obvious amount), you probably have some damaged components.

 

Not to throw salt on the wound but the above may be the reason you lost control. While this is instinct braking hard in a turn is one way to upset the balance of the car. (Please don't ask how I know )

So after you are comfortable with the status of your car, please think about a driving school. Probably the best money any of us can spend.

Good luck and hopefully nothing to repair.

 

I completely agree. And something I've been looking into as well. Driving school is a must as I'm a novice driver anyways.

I just feel dumb.

 

wow you got lucky! i agree with the alignment, tell them the situation so they can keep an eye out for other damage as well.

 

Get it to an alignment shop ASAP. Not something you should try and do on your own.

 

Please HPDE driving school or at least BMW's Car Control Clinic

 

id also say just take it to get an alignment check..theyre free. have them just check for anything wrong too. If it needs aligned then go for it...if they cannot align it easily there is probably something bent...

 

And how about a big round of applause for the honesty. Many wouldn't fess up to simply blowing it (even though we all have).

 

Mine hit a curb at about 25-30 and did 13k in damage to the suspension
front and rear.
Get it checked out
both of my sub frames are new
as are two out of four wheels
everything
except the lower ball joint they never replaced
I had a knock in the front end.
for ever
Danny at mini corsa saved my *** and noticed it when he had it on his lift
He said it was ready to give at any min and could have taken the whole care out on the freeway
PLEASE Have this checked out
This was because my powersteering failed in a left hand turn.
Super bad times
bmw checked it and said all fluids were full. Lies I have picture proof
Im not bitter or anything.

 

No need to feel bad. The way I know is I have been in you shoes.
I am far from a new driver but always find that I could do better.
Experience can be a hard teacher.
At least you sound open to understanding how to get better which is great.

 

Don't beat yourself up over it, everyones had something similar to that happen to them.

Learn from the mistake, get the MINI fixed, and go back out and have fun, don't let it stop you!

Check your alignment and jack up the car and shake the wheel that impacted the curb, also stick your head under the car (put it on jackstands) and see if there is any visual damage to any suspension components or bushings.

 

By all means beat yourself up about this. That way you will remember & learn from this experience. You were very lucky & I'm glad you were.

We have all been there. I've learned from mistakes like that as you have too. It's a tough lesson to learn, but we seem to remember the tough ones.

I'd suggest starting off with doing a BMW street survival school. You will learn a lot there. They can also give you guidance on what school would be a good next step for you.

As far as your car goes, since you are a novice driver I'm betting you are at best a novice mechanic. Take your car to a good mechanic. If you have a dealer near by I'd take it there. Those folks know these cars inside out & will be able to tell you asap if you bent the cars suspension. You also need to inspect the tire that took the hit & the rim. If you have damaged your car it can be fixed by any competent mechanic, not just the dealer. If you post your location someone may know of a good shop in your area. Even if no damage is reported get an alignment.

OK now you can stop beating yourself up. A lot of folks would make 1000 excuses about why the incident was not their fault. Your honesty is very refreshing. Get your MINI fixed & get to that street survival school.

Good luck....

 

Taking it in to get an alignment today. Hoping to bring back good news.

 

You might want to check your strut towers for mushrooming, too.

Glad to hear that you're OK! We've all been there before...sometimes we just have to make mistakes to learn what not to do...

 

Does your radio still work? If so, you're good to go. Just crank it up so you don't hear all the stuff that'll probably start falling off your car.

 

woooow. i only take turns at 60

 

Thanks for such a nice and helpful comment.

To the person who stated that they make turns at 60.
I can assure you, that if you took this turn at 60 or even fifty, you would have done the same thing as me. The only fault I had in this whole thing besides driving recklessly was that I braked too hard into the turn. Any skilled driver that would have been in my situation and was going too fast into the turn would have braked right and gotten a close call but still made it. The turn was very sharp and not what I expected, obviously. I made a dumb mistake. But no-one could take it at 60. It's an abrupt left turn.

Anyways. Thanks to all the people that understand the situation and were able to give me great advice. Took it in to a great mechanic to get an alignment. I wrote down all the stuff you guys told me and was there when he was checking everything. The wheels don't give any, the frame seems to be in good shape, etc.
I'm still taking it into the Mini of Woodlands just to be extra cautious. I really do appreciate everyone that was able to give me kind advice. And for the record, I'm signing up for the next driving school that's available. I'll keep this thread updated when I figure out more info.

On a side note, karma struck and someone decided to scrape a shopping cart from Target across the side of my car leaving a massive red streak. Guess I'll be buffing the out tomorrow!

-chandler