Are Train Tracks Bad for Cars?

If you’ve ever cringed while your car bounced over a set of railroad tracks—especially those rough, unkempt ones—you’re not alone. Most drivers encounter train tracks fairly regularly, whether at intersections, in industrial areas, or on rural backroads. But have you ever stopped to ask: are train tracks bad for cars?

The short answer is yes, they can be—but it depends on several factors. From suspension wear and tire damage to alignment issues and rust, railroad crossings can take a serious toll on your vehicle over time. In this article, we’ll explore exactly how train tracks affect your car, what kind of damage they can cause, and what you can do to prevent it.

Anatomy of a Railroad Crossing

Before diving into the impact on your vehicle, it’s worth understanding what you’re actually driving over when you hit a railroad crossing.

Most road-level train tracks consist of the following components:

• Steel rails: These are the tracks themselves, elevated slightly above the road surface.
• Ties or sleepers: Usually made of wood or concrete, these are placed perpendicular to the rails to maintain spacing and provide support.
• Ballast: Crushed stone that stabilizes the tracks and aids in drainage.
• Flangeways: Gaps left on either side of the rail so the train’s wheels (with their flange) can pass through without hitting pavement.

All of these elements create a bumpy, sometimes jarring experience for cars—especially when crossings are poorly maintained. Over time, this bumpiness is more than just annoying; it can be harmful.

How Train Tracks Damage Your Car

1. Suspension and Shock Absorbers

When your car hits a poorly leveled or rough railroad crossing, the impact goes directly to your suspension system. The shocks, struts, and coil springs are designed to absorb impacts from normal driving conditions—but repeated hard jolts from crossing train tracks can wear them down prematurely.

Signs of suspension wear include:

• A bouncy ride
• Nose-diving when braking
• Uneven tire wear
• Poor handling or drifting in turns

While a single train track encounter won’t destroy your suspension, frequent crossings or high-speed hits can shorten its lifespan significantly.

2. Tire and Rim Damage

Train tracks often have uneven edges or gaps between the pavement and the rail. These can wreak havoc on your tires and wheels. If your tire strikes the edge of a rail too hard, it can result in:

• Sidewall bubbles
• Cracks or splits in the rubber
• Bent or cracked rims (especially on alloy wheels)
• Tire blowouts in severe cases

Low-profile tires—common on sports or luxury vehicles—are especially at risk. Because they have less cushioning air volume, they transmit more force from the impact to the rim.

3. Wheel Alignment Issues

Even if you don’t immediately notice damage after crossing train tracks, you might still have alignment issues down the line. Hitting the track at an angle, or with one wheel more forcefully than the others, can subtly nudge your wheels out of alignment.

Consequences of poor alignment include:

• Steering that pulls to one side
• Vibration in the steering wheel
• Rapid, uneven tire wear
• Decreased fuel efficiency

Misalignment doesn’t just lead to comfort issues—it also compromises safety and increases your long-term costs due to more frequent tire replacement.

4. Underbody Scraping and Rust

Some crossings are raised slightly above the road level. For vehicles with low ground clearance, this can mean scraping the underbody, muffler, or oil pan on the tracks—especially if you’re carrying extra passengers or cargo.

The damage can be cosmetic, but in worst-case scenarios, it may:

• Crack or dent your oil pan or exhaust system
• Rip out brake lines or fuel lines
• Open your underbody to water intrusion and corrosion

In addition, many railroad crossings trap moisture and salt—especially in northern climates where roads are salted in winter. The accumulated debris and chemicals can accelerate underbody rust, particularly in older vehicles without protective coating.

5. Electronic Component Interference (Rare but Possible)

While rare, some older vehicles—or those with modified aftermarket electronics—may experience signal interference near train tracks due to electromagnetic activity from rail systems.

Although not a common issue, short circuits, sensor misreads, or even temporary malfunctions in adaptive systems have been reported in extreme cases near high-power railways, particularly where electrified rail lines are in use.

Factors That Make a Railroad Crossing Worse

Not all train tracks are created equal. Some are smooth and barely noticeable, while others are practically off-road hazards. Here are some red flags:

Poor Maintenance

Crossings with worn asphalt, loose boards, or exposed rail edges are the most dangerous. These types often appear in rural or industrial areas.

Steep Approach Angles

If the road rises sharply to meet the rail, your car’s front and rear bumpers may scrape on approach and exit, especially if your suspension compresses.

Weather Exposure

In colder regions, the freeze-thaw cycle can expand gaps around the rails and damage the pavement further—making them even worse come spring.

Multiple Track Crossings

Some roads cross several rails in a row, increasing the chances of hitting uneven areas. These crossings are more common near large freight lines or junctions.

Train Tracks in Urban Areas: A Special Case

In cities like New York, San Francisco, or Toronto, you may drive over embedded rails that are flush with the road. These are usually:

• Streetcars (trams)
• Light rail lines
• Old industrial or port rails

They might seem less threatening than raised tracks—but they can still cause problems, especially if:

• They’re slick in rain or snow
• You hit them at a bad angle
• Your tire gets trapped in a flangeway gap

Motorcyclists and cyclists are particularly vulnerable, but even cars can get a jolt that affects alignment or tire edges if the gap is wide enough.

The Hidden Danger: Infrequent Inspections

Most drivers assume that train crossings are maintained by someone—but that’s not always true. The responsibility often lies in a gray area between:

• Municipal authorities (who handle the road)
• Railroad companies (who maintain the tracks)

In some regions, especially in rural America, outdated or unmaintained crossings can remain in poor condition for years. Unfortunately, that means you may be absorbing the cost of maintenance through unexpected car repairs.

Can Train Tracks Affect Driving Safety?

Absolutely. Some dangers go beyond just wear and tear. Consider these:

Reduced Braking

If your wheels bounce while crossing tracks, especially in wet or icy weather, your tires may temporarily lose traction—potentially increasing your stopping distance.

Loss of Control

Hitting uneven tracks at speed can jolt your steering, especially in smaller cars. This can cause lane drift or even loss of control if you’re turning or braking simultaneously.

Distracted Driving Risks

Many drivers instinctively slow down for tracks—but some don’t. Sudden speed changes can cause rear-end collisions, especially on highways with unexpected train crossings.

How to Minimize Damage from Train Tracks

Here are some practical steps to protect your car (and wallet):

Always Slow Down

Approach all train crossings at 5–10 mph, especially if you don’t know the condition. Even if you’re in a hurry, saving a few seconds isn’t worth a cracked rim or bent suspension.

Cross Straight, Not Diagonal

Hitting the tracks at an angle spreads the force unevenly. Try to keep your wheels straight and perpendicular to the rails.

Avoid Braking While on the Rails

Braking mid-crossing can increase suspension compression, making damage more likely. Slow before the tracks, coast across, and resume acceleration after.

Inspect Your Tires Regularly

If you frequently drive through track-heavy areas, keep a close eye on your tire pressure, sidewalls, and rim condition. Catching issues early can prevent bigger repairs.

Get Alignments Twice a Year

A misaligned vehicle can cost you hundreds in uneven tire wear alone. Regular alignments—especially if you feel any “pull” while driving—are a worthwhile investment.

Final Thoughts: Train Tracks Are a Hidden Menace to Your Car

While driving over train tracks now and then won’t ruin your car overnight, the cumulative damage over months or years can be significant. Worn shocks, bent rims, and misaligned wheels don’t always show up immediately—but they degrade your ride quality and safety over time.

The next time you approach a railroad crossing, think twice before speeding across. Your suspension, tires, and wallet will thank you.

If you’re in an area with frequent track crossings, consider upgrading your vehicle’s suspension durability, tire quality, or even underbody protection. A little proactive care can save you hundreds (or thousands) down the line.