We all know that uncomfortable jolt that comes from driving our car over a pothole. At times, these are an annoyance; at others, a costly happenstance. So, what are the real dangers of hitting a pothole? It’s important to be aware of the damage our vehicle can sustain to know what to look for when we hit one.
Potential Damage
- As a result of the redistribution of air that’s caused upon impact, your wheel can become punctured. This may be easily mendable, depending on the location and size of the tear.
- Your rim can become dented, cracked, or bent. If the impact was strong enough, it can cause your rim to warp enough that other components of the wheel can become damaged. If this happens, you’ll want to replace the rim immediately to prevent having to spend money replacing other parts of your car.
- Potholes can affect your alignment, causing your suspension and steering to be thrown off. You may experience vibration or difficulty steering if this happens.
- Your undercarriage may become damaged, causing fluids to leak. If this isn’t fixed, you risk not only the loss of fluids, but rust can build up over time. This is one of the harder issues to diagnose as it may not immediately affect your driving. As a result, you’ll want to check your undercarriage right after hitting the pothole.
How to Prevent Potholes
- Pay attention to the road when driving. While it’s important to focus on other drivers, as well as speed, you should also observe the road conditions. If you notice the pothole in time, you can better plan how to safely avoid it.
- Keep your tires properly inflated to create a buffer upon impact. Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding what air level to maintain.
- Drive slower in adverse weather conditions. Elements such as snow or rain can impair your vision, making it harder to locate potholes.
What to Do If You Hit a Pothole
If you hit a pothole, you’ll have to check all the parts of your car that we’ve listed above. Depending on the impact, you may want to have a mechanic look over your car—especially if it was enough to damage your wheels. If the pothole encounter affects the wheels, there’s a higher chance that other parts of your car have been as well.
Do you need to replace car parts due to a pothole? We offer high-quality products at a competitive price that will hold up well against all the elements. From Toyota Highlander rims to Nissan Altima options, The Wheelership has everything you need for a higher quality ride.