Minor collision with rock on way home...

fishfishfish · 27 Apr 2011 at 21:14

I was driving home this evening along a country lane. The sun was shining brightly and I was going about 30-40. I reached a corner and met a car coming in the opposite direction who cut the corner, possibly due to the sun shining in his eyes, and I swerved in, braked hard and bumped into a rock from a dry stone wall on the inner edge of my lane.

The front tyre hit the rock hard, then the rear, then the rear tyre blew out. The other driver kept going.

After replacing the tyre, I've discovered that the alloy has quite a deep nick in it, the wheels point in opposite directions and the steering wheel is wonky when the wheels are pointing ahead.

Just wondering whether anyone can explain what I've done, and what the damage might be financially, please.

Semple · 27 Apr 2011 at 21:18

If the alloy has had quite some damage then it may not hold the air in meaning you'll have to replace it.

Bad on the other driver, he should have stopped after seeing you swerve over the place especially if he was the one who was on your side of the road.

lordrobs · 27 Apr 2011 at 21:19

Bent wishbone, damaged track rod end... bit of guess work on that info I'm afraid. Unlucky though

fishfishfish · 27 Apr 2011 at 21:20

Thanks. Yes, pretty sure the alloy is knackered. Not sure whether they can be repaired.

Is it likely to be the tracking that I've damaged? The front driver's side wheel points ahead but the wheel which hit the rock points out to the left, presumably because the rock whacked the wheel side on.

Gaygle · 27 Apr 2011 at 21:21

As lordrobs said, it'll be something that is bent. Tough break - will probably be quite expensive to rectify

fishfishfish · 27 Apr 2011 at 21:22

Tough brake - will probably be quite expensive to rectify

Nadgers.

Gaygle · 27 Apr 2011 at 21:24

Quite.

Probably need 2 new tyres, a new track rod, possibly a new wishbone, a new alloy (possibly 2 - check your front), possible rear suspension damage, full alignment.

What car is it btw?

fishfishfish · 27 Apr 2011 at 21:26

Ouch. Thanks for the info. It's a 2008 VW Polo - nice and economical for my 100-mile daily commute. At least the tyres are relatively inexpensive, in the grand scheme of things...