Question about the BUMPs

[mrc59]

So, when I hit a pot hole, or any other road bump and the sound is deafening, the bump is jarring, and my teeth chatter, I want to know only one thing:

Is this a short wheel base known funtion? No harm, no fowl.

Or will I be buying new wheels and tires ASAP?

Thanks!

[jetfuel]

...like mpg's, it will get better as the temperature increases...
...c'mon spring time...

jetfuel

[forestacademy]

Come on Orange Cones and Work crews

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by mrc59

So, when I hit a pot hole, or any other road bump and the sound is deafening, the bump is jarring, and my teeth chatter, I want to know only one thing:

Is this a short wheel base known funtion? No harm, no fowl.

Or will I be buying new wheels and tires ASAP?

Thanks!

I don't think you'll suffer any real damage unless it's a serious hole, but a few suggestions would include...

1. Check tire pressures and make sure they're not too high.
2. Consider larger front wheels/tires for more 'cushion'. It won't make a huge difference, but it can 'take the edge off' harsh impacts.
3. Drive it like a go-cart and "slalom, baby, slalom!" to avoid holes!

[a2jack]

Smartie's no worse (or better) on BUMPS than our C J-2, and we lived with that.

[Smartdavis]

Drive it like a go-cart and "slalom, baby, slalom!" to avoid holes!


I agree! That's the whole point.

[bigcritter]

It's not the BUMPS that you have to worry about...... it's the DIPS!! :>) The bumps you'll get used to, or learn to avoid (when possible), but if you hit a DIP that's just the right length/depth, you'll be needing to make a trip to your chiropractor! :>) Right after I got my car, I was just out riding on some country roads, and I hit a dip at about 50 mph. MAN! I felt it in my lower back for TWO days!! :>) Careful of those DIPS!!! :>) Don't worry, though, smarties are TUFF.....they can take it!! :>)

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by bigcritter

Don't worry, though, smarties are TUFF.....they can take it!! :>)

..too bad you can't say the same thing about your OLD back

jetfuel

[John_H]

If you're using 17" wheels that some try to find for the smart, you may need new wheels. Our 15" standards give a decent tire profile adding significant pneumatic cushioning to those jarring encounters. I had both right rims in my low-aspect-ratio tires on my Z4 roadster damaged (twice!) by an exposed bridge seam that presented an abrupt 2" step on a 55 mph highway. I think my Smart would have fared much better. A month after getting the wheels replaced when I spoke with the county, there were about 9 cars with the same reported encounter. Only 9!

[mvaldes]

Do be careful of the big potholes. Not realizing one of my headlights had burnt out, I didn't one coming on an off ramp and hit it at about 45 mph. Needed a new rim and thought I'd need dental work too.