Crossing railroad tracks at a slower speed is generally easier on the car than crossing them at a faster speed. Here's why:
Suspension and Shocks: Crossing railroad tracks at higher speeds puts more stress on your car's suspension and shocks. The sudden impact can cause the suspension components to compress and decompress rapidly, potentially leading to accelerated wear and tear.
Tires: At higher speeds, the tires experience more force when encountering the uneven surface of the railroad tracks. This can result in increased wear on the tires and potentially even damage, especially if the tracks are poorly maintained.
Alignment: Higher speeds over the tracks can cause the wheels to momentarily lose contact with the road, leading to misalignment issues over time. This misalignment can cause uneven tire wear and negatively affect handling and steering performance.
Brakes: Crossing railroad tracks at high speeds might necessitate sudden braking to control the vehicle. Frequent hard braking can lead to premature wear of the brake pads and discs.
Safety: Crossing railroad tracks at excessive speeds can be dangerous. It reduces the driver's ability to react to unexpected situations, such as an oncoming train.
When crossing railroad tracks, it's advisable to reduce your speed to a reasonable level, typically at or below the speed limit posted for that area. This allows your car's suspension and tires to better absorb the impact, reducing stress on the vehicle and promoting a smoother and safer crossing. Always exercise caution and obey traffic rules when crossing railroad tracks.