* Wheel and Tire Damage: This is almost guaranteed. Expect bent or broken rims (alloy wheels are more susceptible than steel), damaged tires (punctures, sidewall bulges, or complete destruction), and possibly a bent suspension component connected to the wheel.
* Suspension Damage: The impact forces can bend or break control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, struts, or shock absorbers. This impacts steering and handling, potentially making the car unsafe to drive.
* Body Damage: Depending on the impact point, you could see damage to the fender, bumper, undercarriage, side skirt, and even the chassis itself. This can range from scrapes and dents to significant structural damage.
* Steering and Alignment Issues: Hitting a curb can throw the car's alignment out significantly, leading to uneven tire wear and difficult handling. The steering rack itself could even be damaged.
* Underbody Damage: The undercarriage is particularly vulnerable. The impact can damage the oil pan, exhaust system, transmission, or fuel lines. This could lead to leaks, fires, or complete system failure.
* Airbag Deployment: While not always guaranteed at 45 mph, the impact's force could be sufficient to trigger the airbags.
In short, hitting a curb at 45 mph is a high-speed impact that will likely cause substantial damage, rendering the car undrivable and potentially requiring extensive and costly repairs. It's highly probable the car will require towing and professional assessment by a mechanic.
