As the weather warms up and you venture out on the road, beware of the potholes that may have surfaced through the winter. Potholes represent a serious hazard to vehicles, and the damage caused by these road mines can result in costly repairs. The American Automobile Association (AAA) claims that in 2021, potholes caused about $26.5 billion in vehicle damage for American drivers (Source: AAA, March 2022). In this month’s blog, we look at the dangers of potholes to your vehicle’s tires, suspension, and alignment, and ways to stay alert to possible problems because of damage.
How Potholes Are Formed
Potholes can form anywhere on the road surface. They are typically more prevalent in climates with a change of season; however, they can develop in warmer climates as well after heavy rains. In the wintertime, water seeps into the cracks of the road surface. As this water freezes in lower temperatures, it causes it to expand inside the asphalt. Once the temperature rises and the ice thaws, the expansion of the frozen water creates spaces within the road material. These spaces make the asphalt more susceptible to collapse when the weight of vehicles presses on the road surface. Potholes can appear out of nowhere if the conditions are right to cause the collapse of the asphalt. While filling in potholes is important for road maintenance, sometimes they develop faster than road crews can repair them.
How Potholes Damage Vehicles
Your vehicle is designed to protect the occupants and the vehicle from hazards encountered during driving like bumps, motion, and vibration. But when you drive through a pothole at regular speed, your vehicle’s tires, suspension, or alignment can be damaged. Let’s examine each of these a little more.
Your Vehicle Tires
If you are driving and hit a pothole at cruising speed, there is a likelihood it can cause serious damage to your tire. The damage from potholes is usually on the sidewalls, and results when the air is shifted in the tire. You may experience an immediate blowout or notice a bulge of air on the sidewall. Sidewall damage is never a good thing because it is not easily repaired and is a safety issue. If you hit a large pothole, keep an eye on your tire pressure monitoring to see if there are any changes in tire pressure. When able, carefully inspect the tire for any visible damage, especially along the sidewall. If you do notice a problem or lose air pressure, have your tire inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
Vehicle Suspension
Your vehicle’s suspension is the support system for your vehicle. Not only does the suspension support the weight of the vehicle, but it also assists with keeping the cabin free from the jarring effects of driving. Some of the components of your suspension may become damaged when driving through a pothole. For example, your shock absorbers which are designed to cushion movement can experience premature wear and tear from potholes, especially repeated pothole exposure. Cracks or breaks may also develop in these components such as the springs or struts. If you notice issues like bouncing, excessive vibration, swaying or bottoming out, there may be a problem with your suspension. Have it checked by a service professional to determine if there’s any pothole damage.
Wheel Alignment
Periodic maintenance plans generally include wheel alignment. This is when the technician adjusts the wheels to manufacturer specs so that they are all facing the same direction. Proper alignment allows your vehicle to travel straight and keep it stabilized during operation. When you drive through a pothole, you can disrupt the alignment of the wheels with the force of the hole. Alignment leads to further problems, such as excessive and uneven wear on your tire treads. If you notice there is uneven wear, this is a possible sign of an alignment issue. You may also notice that the vehicle pulls to one direction during acceleration or braking. It is important to have alignment concerns looked at promptly, to avoid other developing problems with your vehicle.
Avoiding Pothole Damage
There is no way to completely avoid driving through a pothole, but there are some things you can do to steer clear of them or try to minimize potential damage.
- Don’t drive through pools of water on the road – these are usually potholes disguised as puddles.
- If you see a pothole but it is too late to avoid it, don’t apply the brakes forcefully. This can result in more damage.
- Always keep an eye on the horizon while driving. Stay alert to potholes ahead of you so you can plan evasive measures.
- Look and listen for signs that you may have sustained pothole damage to your tires, suspension, or alignment.
If you are concerned that you may have pothole damage to your vehicle, give us a call at Car Kings to schedule an appointment. Our service professionals will inspect your vehicle for any damage and provide you with recommendations for repair.