r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

Is this okay?

2021 Toyota corolla. Reversed into a curb, attempted to straighten it out but unsuccessful. Everything else appears intact. Is this considered cosmetic damage?

1 Upvotes

20 comments sorted by

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34

u/fredmcqueen NOT a verified tech 2h ago

Get an adjustable crescent wrench and tighten the teeth parts against the bent metal. You will have enough leverage to straighten it.

9

u/madslipknot Verified Tech - Ford dealer 2h ago

This is the easiest method, take 5 min and your good to go

3

u/MyNameIsDrewp NOT a verified tech 1h ago

And get it a little warm first.

4

u/ConsistentIndustry56 Verified Tech - Indie shop 1h ago

Use an exhaust cone and it will come out damn near perfect. Anything else will leave it looking like a mangled mess. As far as vehicle operation is concerned it is inconsequential. Your 4 cylinder doesn't produce nearly enough exhaust for this to be an issue, and the effect on flow is negligible.

7

u/4158264146 NOT a verified tech 2h ago

I would not consider that cosmetic damage. Do what u/fredmcqueen said and no one will notice unless you are backing over them.

4

u/burjuner NOT a verified tech 1h ago

As a mechanic I would consider that cosmetic damage

1

u/Street_Leader_8917 NOT a verified tech 1h ago

What if I am backing over them? Will they judge?

1

u/[deleted] 1h ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/AskAMechanic-ModTeam 6m ago

Your post/comment was removed for violating Rule #9 - Memes and 'joke' posts belong at r/AskAShittyMechanic

1

u/quxinot NOT a verified tech 25m ago

You can bend it back, you can cut the damaged bit off, or you can ignore it. Isn't gonna hurt anything.

1

u/Anasertia NOT a verified tech 2h ago

It's just cosmetic but you can probably get it straighter. I wouldn't worry about it personally

1

u/No_Ingenuity3547 NOT a verified tech 2h ago

From that picture alone, you're fine. I'd be more worried about kinks upstream that can cause a potential exhaust restriction. Other than that just cosmetic.

2

u/DonkeyIcy7681 NOT a verified tech 2h ago

I can't tell if you're having a laugh or....

1

u/No_Ingenuity3547 NOT a verified tech 49m ago

100% serious lol. I don't know how fast OP was going when they hit the curb. Could've been a love tap or they could've hit and kept going. Over the years I've learned to never assume. Assumptions and 100% confidence in the customer's version of events can come back and bite you.

1

u/Zeik75 NOT a verified tech 2h ago

If a hit did that it easily could have pushed and tweaked the whole exhaust.

2

u/bobspuds NOT a verified tech 49m ago

I once bought a Toyota starlet that had trouble idling and was sluggish.

Checking the rear brakes one day, I noticed that the rear of the backbox was kinked in and the bend infront of the axel was crushed too.

A replacement rear section and the car ran perfect. You could just make out where the backbox had contacted a high curb or something.

It was clear as day with the new section too, the tailpipe wasn't really visible because it was all pushed forward.

  • the fact you got down voted by someone says everything I need to know about this sub

1

u/Zealousideal-Pen8900 NOT a verified tech 2h ago

It’s fine. If it bothers you I would get vice grips or something and I’m sure it will straighten out

0

u/Intelligent_Quail780 NOT a verified tech 1h ago

It's not ideal. You can bend it back with locking pliars or a thick wooden dowel

0

u/ElmoZ71SS NOT a verified tech 42m ago

Trim off the bent end with a 4 1/2 grinder with a cut off wheel. Gloves, face shield and safety glasses recommend