This kind of damage usually isn’t covered by the warranty since it’s not a defect, but your auto insurance might help. It depends on the repair costs and your deductible, so weigh whether it’s worth filing a claim.
@TurboSoulMate
I’m just looking for ways to stop this from happening again. Roads are full of pebbles, and it feels like the car should handle that better.
MegWhitgal said:
@TurboSoulMate
I’m just looking for ways to stop this from happening again. Roads are full of pebbles, and it feels like the car should handle that better.
I think it’s just bad luck. Something hit just the right spot. Transmission coolers and radiators are made of fragile materials like aluminium. Adding chicken wire or plexiglass isn’t a great idea though—plexiglass would block airflow and could cause overheating. They do sell radiator screens that might help protect the coils while still allowing airflow.
@TurboSoulMate
I think it should be covered… they left the front so open that rocks can easily get in.
Kiatalks said:
@TurboSoulMate
I think it should be covered… they left the front so open that rocks can easily get in.
That’s how front grilles are designed on most cars. Rocks hitting them isn’t uncommon. I’ve read about similar issues with other brands, like the active grill shutters on a Honda CR-V breaking from debris. No car is completely safe from road debris.
@TurboSoulMate
They could make the grille openings smaller or put a thin protector behind it to reduce the chances.
Kiatalks said:
@TurboSoulMate
They could make the grille openings smaller or put a thin protector behind it to reduce the chances.
That could work, but smaller openings or extra screens might get clogged with bugs and dirt. If people don’t clean them regularly, it could lead to overheating. Solving one problem could create another.
Kiatalks said:
@TurboSoulMate
I think it should be covered… they left the front so open that rocks can easily get in.
I agree it’s a design issue and should be looked into more.
Or maybe your Kia destroyed the pebble instead?
NeuralNexusNate said:
Or maybe your Kia destroyed the pebble instead?
RIP tiny pebble.
You could try a rigid black mesh behind the grille. It would protect the radiator and still allow airflow for cooling.
Galvanized hardware cloth works great. I helped a friend attach it behind his bumper grille. He painted it black so it wasn’t visible, and it kept everything protected.
Layla said:
Galvanized hardware cloth works great. I helped a friend attach it behind his bumper grille. He painted it black so it wasn’t visible, and it kept everything protected.
Did your friend have similar damage? Seems like this might be a common issue.
@MegWhitgal
Every car could have this problem. Sounds like you were just unlucky and got hit by a pebble at the perfect angle.
@MegWhitgal
His damage was to the AC condenser after gravel from a dump truck hit it. The windshield got wrecked too.
I used hardware cloth to block the open cabin filter vents in my car because mice kept getting in. Maybe I should add some over the radiator area too, since it seems fragile.
Your comprehensive car insurance should cover this kind of damage.
Sometimes it’s just a matter of odds. You got unlucky this time, but it’s not something that happens often.
The grille design on your car sounds poorly thought out. Many are built to deflect rocks better.