Keeping your vehicle in the best condition possible is important. Besides bring the vehicle in for regular maintenance inspections, there are some things you can inspect on your own. You can also follow some driving tips to help keep the vehicle in ideal condition. One thing to avoid is hitting potholes. Pothole damage is an everyday road hazard and can be difficult since it is not always obvious. If your vehicle hits a deep, dreaded divot in the road, steering system misalignment to a full-on tire puncture or bent rims may follow. No matter if the damage is obvious or not, the problem needs reversing. When your vehicle experiences the sudden jolt from a pothole run-in, timely inspection is required. Otherwise, you could be in for a costlier damage and stress to other, budget-breaking vehicle parts and systems. Our experienced auto care experts will assess any potential problems during a complete vehicle inspection and set your ride right.
Other Parts that Can Become Damaged
There are several parts of the vehicle that can become damaged when you hit a pothole. This is why it is important to bring the vehicle in as soon as you can so we can inspect it for you. The obvious part it the tire. The tire can be punctured, damaged, or wear incorrectly. Since the tires are the only part that will have direct contact with the surface of the road, make sure they are in the best condition possible. There can also be wheel rim damage by hitting a pothole. Another issue can be premature wear on shocks and struts. This can result in the suspension becoming damaged as well.
Signs the Vehicle has Pothole Damage to it
If your wheels ram into a pothole, your tire’s sidewall can bulge. Unless your vehicle is equipped with older steel rims, they are likely aluminum-based. That means they are susceptible to dents. If the pothole damage comes from a deep depression, the rims can be damaged as well. Hitting a pothole can dent or puncture the undercarriage of your ride. In other words, fluid leaks and wear leading to rust formation are just the beginning. During a complete vehicle inspection, our technicians will look for woes of all kinds. That includes damage resulting from potholes.
Ways to Avoid Potholes
Here are some tips to help avoid pothole damage. To maintain your manufacturer’s recommended tire air pressure since properly inflated tires provide the best buffer between broken, dipping pavement and your ride’s wheel rims. Prevention is the best medicine. That is why leaving enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you is key. That way, you are more likely to spot potholes before they wreak havoc on your ride. If you notice a puddle of water, it could be a pothole and you may not know how deep it is. It is always best to avoid them if possible. If you do hit a pothole, bring your vehicle in as soon as possible so we can inspect it for you.