Does Parking on a Kerb Damage Your Tyres and Wheel Alignment?

You’ve found a parking space on a narrow street but getting out of the way of passing traffic means putting 2 wheels on the kerb. It might seem harmless, especially if everyone else has done the same. 

So, does parking on a kerb damage your car? It can, particularly if you hit the kerb hard, scrape your tyres against it or leave a tyre resting awkwardly on its edge. However, parking with a wheel raised doesn’t automatically mean you’ve damaged your tyres or knocked your wheels out of alignment. 

How you drive onto the kerb matters. Here’s what to watch out for and when it’s worth getting your car checked.

 

How can a kerb damage your tyres? 

Your tyre’s sidewall is the flexible outer section between the tread and the wheel rim. It helps absorb movement as you drive, but it can be damaged by contact with a kerb. 

Scraping along a rough edge can cut or tear the rubber. A harder impact can damage the tyre’s internal structure, sometimes leaving a bulge on the sidewall. The risk depends on the kerb’s height and shape, your speed and the angle at which you hit it. 

Once parked, avoid leaving the tyre partly supported by a sharp kerb edge or pressed tightly against it. Choosing a space where all 4 tyres can sit fully on the road removes the need to climb the kerb in the first place. 

There’s a difference between gently crossing a low, rounded edge and bumping into a tall kerb while manoeuvring.  

For more help identifying different problems, read our guide to tyre damage and what to look out for. 

 

Can parking on a kerb affect wheel alignment? 

A kerb impact can knock your wheels out of alignment. That means their angles no longer match the vehicle manufacturer’s settings, potentially affecting handling and causing uneven tyre wear.  

The impact as you drive onto or off the kerb is the main concern. Simply leaving your car parked with 2 wheels raised doesn’t cause misalignment. 

If you’ve hit a kerb firmly, pay attention to how your car feels afterwards.

Signs that your wheel alignment may need checking include: 

• Your car pulling to one side. 

• The steering wheel sitting off-centre when travelling straight. 

• Tyres wearing more heavily along one edge. 

These symptoms can also be caused by other issues. Whatever the cause, you should always seek professional advice. Our blog on what wheel alignment is explains how it affects your car. 

 

What tyre sidewall damage should you look for? 

After catching a kerb, stop somewhere safe and inspect the affected tyre and wheel. Look for: 

• Cuts or tears: Check for splits in the rubber or missing chunks. 

• Bulges: An outward lump can indicate damage to the tyre’s internal cords. 

• Exposed cords: Visible reinforcing material means the damage goes beyond the surface. 

• Loss of pressure: A tyre that looks low or triggers a pressure warning needs attention.  

If you notice a bulge, exposed cords or a rapidly deflating tyre, don’t continue driving on it.

Arrange roadside assistance or professional advice about getting the vehicle safely checked. A bulging tyre needs replacing because its structure has been compromised. 

Also, remember that not all impact damage is visible from the outside. If you’ve hit the kerb hard, a professional inspection is sensible even if your initial check doesn’t reveal anything obvious.

 

How can you reduce the risk of kerb damage? 

A few changes to your parking habits can help protect your tyres. 

 

Choose a space with enough room 

If parking means squeezing against the kerb or mounting a high edge, look for another space where possible. Keep pavement access clear and check local parking restrictions. 

 

Take manoeuvres slowly 

Give yourself time to judge the distance between your wheels and the kerb. If you need to cross a permitted kerb entrance, move slowly and avoid steep or sharp edges. Tyre manufacturer guidance recommends approaching as close to a right angle as possible where it is safe to do so.  

 

Keep your tyre pressures correct 

Check pressures when the tyres are cold and use the settings in your vehicle handbook or on the vehicle’s pressure label. Correct inflation supports safe handling and helps avoid excessive sidewall flexing, although it won’t prevent every impact from causing damage. Our tyre pressure guide explains how to check yours. 

 

Check your tyres regularly 

Don’t wait until something feels wrong. Looking for cuts, bulges and uneven wear can help you spot problems that need professional attention. Similar damage can happen after hitting a pothole, which we cover in our guide to pothole damage.

 

Bumped a kerb a bit too hard? Get your tyres checked 

A small parking mistake doesn’t always lead to a big repair bill, but damage is worth checking before it becomes a safety issue. 

We offer tyre condition checks and can advise whether a scuff needs monitoring or a damaged tyre needs replacing. If your steering feels different after an impact, explore our wheel alignment services and contact your local branch to arrange a check.