Each year, potholes seem to pop up out of nowhere, and avoiding them can feel impossible. This phenomenon is due to changing weather conditions.
During the spring and fall, fluctuating temperatures cause road materials to shift, heave, and separate. This creates potholes that vary in size from tiny indentations to gaping, vehicle-swallowing canyons. As hard as it may feel to avoid potholes, steering around them is critical to your car’s wellbeing, and will help you avoid expensive damage.
Here’s what you need to know.
Potholes: a Tire’s Worst Enemy
Tires are durable. After all, they’re your car’s primary point of contact with the road, and they work hard. Still, they’re not indestructible. This is especially true when it comes to potholes. Hitting a pothole can cause a variety of tire issues, from blowouts to poor alignment, both of which compromise your vehicle and can make it dangerous to drive.
If you accidentally smack a pothole, get out and examine your tire. Look for visible signs of trouble (the tire is losing air or looks flat), as well as more subtle symptoms, like bulges out the side of the tire.
While potholes are tough on tires, they can also damage your wheels. As you evaluate your tire, look for bends, cracks, or dents in the side of the wheel, right where the rim meets the tire. These are dangerous signs that require immediate attention. In some cases, insurance will cover damage from potholes – especially if the damage was severe. Check your policy to find out if you’re eligible.
How Potholes Affect Suspension and Steering
Even if your tires get through a pothole collision unscathed, your suspension and steering may not be so lucky. If you notice your car pulling to one side or another after you hit a pothole, one or more of your steering components may be out of alignment. Over time, this can cause your suspension to wear unevenly, which will shorten its lifespan significantly.
If your car has started pulling, take it to a suspension expert immediately. Fixing the problem quickly will help you avoid additional damage, while also making your vehicle safer to drive.
Did you hit a Pothole? Visit Your Local Auto Repair Expert Immediately
No matter how carefully you drive, some potholes are just impossible to miss. This is especially true on dirt roads or municipal roads that need repair. If the pothole was deep, or you hit it with considerable speed, it’s smart to visit an auto repair shop as quickly as possible.
Here at DeBroux Automotive, our team of auto repair experts will evaluate your car’s various components, including your tires, wheels, suspension, and steering system, to identify any damage. If we find a problem, we’ll work with you to get your car back on the road safely. If you need new tires, wheels, or parts, our skilled, customer-focused sales team will make a recommendation you can trust.
Ready to make your appointment? Contact us today to book your slot.