Plastic bags from groceries etc are a major problem to the environment and also your automobiles. Driving a four-wheeler over a bag could lead to any of the numerous problems. The bag may
- Get sucked into the drive belts and wrap themselves around alternators, AC compressors, pulleys, etc.
- Get wrapped around half axles and destroy the axle boot and leading to axle failure. This is really common, the bag gets sucked up into the spinning axle and then wraps itself tightly around the rubber CV joint boot, and ends up tearing the boot allowing all the axle grease to escape and destroying the CV joint/axle.
- Get stuck to the exhaust system components and melting, causing burning smells inside the vehicle and sometimes fires. This is another really common problem. They can catch fire and burn up the wiring on the O2 sensor. Costly repairs is the end result.
- Getting sucked into the torque converter, clutch area is uncommon but not impossible.
Drive carefully, try to look in your mirror and change lanes if you think you would drive over a plastic grocery bag. If you accidentally run over one, check if the grocery bag has passed behind your car in the rear view mirror.
(AW- Anil)
