Why You Should Avoid Potholes

Why Should You Avoid Potholes?

When you fall into a pothole with your car, truck, or SUV, it's enough to make you cringe and maybe even grimace in pain, depending on how nasty and sudden that pothole is. These pesky pits can pop up out of nowhere. You could be cruising the same route daily, but out of the blue, there it is, impossible to dodge. There is no heads-up, no prior existence.

Besides being an infuriating jolt to your teeth, slamming into a pothole can seriously damage your vehicle. AAA reports that these road craters rack up more than $26 billion in damages for drivers annually. So, these potholes are a pricey nuisance. This is a solid reason to steer clear of them. Let's delve into the specific types of harm hitting one can inflict.

Tire and Wheel Damage

The rough and irregular surfaces of potholes can damage tires and wheels in different ways. They can cause the tread to separate. They can also puncture your tires. When you drive through a pothole, your rims may rub against the edges, and the wheels may become misaligned. In the worst-case scenario, a significant force may lead to the wheels cracking, especially when the car is at full speed. Also, a sudden and strong jerk can affect the alignment of the tires, which in turn affects your car’s performance.

Undercarriage and Exhaust System Damages

When a car sits low or there's a deep pothole, it can damage the underside of your ride. This could also damage your bumpers and side skirts, causing scratches or even breaking them off where they're attached to the car. Though your car may still run fine, fixing those dings can put a dent in your wallet.

Your exhaust system hangs out down there, too, and it's not safe from harm either. It could mess with your car's performance and might even stop it from passing inspection. Potholes can scratch up or puncture your exhaust pipes or, worse, detach them from your vehicle. This kind of damage will crank up the noise and might make your car lose some power.

Suspension Damage

Your car's suspension can handle bumps, but not all are equipped to handle the harsh impact of hitting a pothole at high speed. Constant jolts can speed up wear and tear, while a single major hit could lead to issues like broken ball joints, damaged shocks, or even a bent axle. If you hear odd noises, feel vibrations, or notice your vehicle veering to the side after encountering a pothole, it might be a sign that your suspension has been damaged.

Steering Damage

Your vehicle veering to one side may indicate suspension issues, a misalignment, or damage to the steering system. As a result, you might experience vibrations in the steering wheel or find it harder to maneuver your car, truck, or SUV. If you suspect you have steering damage, the best thing to do is immediately bring your car to a service center.

How to Avoid Potholes?

These are the reasons why you need to steer clear of potholes. Older vehicles can face additional troubles, such as jiggling loose parts, dislodging speakers, shattering windows, or even losing a rearview mirror.

To avoid the problems with hitting a pothole, be alert on the road and maintain a safe distance to at least see those holes before they can be felt. To start with, ensure you have well-inflated tires that are in excellent condition. If you manage to avoid a pothole, remember there might be more, so stay alert.

Dodging potholes is your ticket to sidestepping these headaches. But if you can't swerve in time, give your vehicle a once-over after the hit. Monitor its performance and handling; if something feels off, get it checked out for repairs. Document any issues with photos. Your insurance could pitch in for pothole-induced damages; sometimes, the local authorities may foot the bill.

Visit Miller Toyota for Repairs

Potholes on the road are indeed a big issue. But avoiding them whenever possible, reducing their effects, and being always cautious on the road will reduce the chances of getting damaged by these craters. And in the process, you can avoid expensive repair costs. In case of pothole damage, please visit Miller Toyota in Manassas, VA. Our factory-trained technicians will get your car back to its tip-top shape. Don’t forget to look at our monthly service specials to save more.