Ever wonder why potholes seem to sprout up everywhere as winter begins to thaw? As the snow melts, water seeps into the cracks in the road. As the temperature drops at night, the water in the cracks freezes. The frozen water puts pressure on the area, and that pressure can rupture if it becomes too great or if a car drives over the spot.
People often try to avoid potholes, which is the preferred method as long as you don’t leave your driving lane. Others think that if they slow down, they will put less damage on their car than if they hit it at high speeds. Always make sure that you are safely driving if you want to swerve to avoid a pothole. Make sure you notice the traffic and area around you, so you do not cause an accident.
Check the Tires
There are some common parts that can become damaged when you hit a pothole. No matter what, make sure to bring your vehicle in so we can inspect it for you. The first thing you should inspect are the tries. Hitting a pothole can flat out pop your tire, but it can also take a chunk out of your tire. A damaged tire can make you more susceptible to blowout on the road, which can be dangerous at high speeds.
The Alignment can be damaged
The alignment of the vehicle should also be checked. If you hit a significant pothole, or just a collection of potholes over time, your car can get out of alignment. This can cause your car to pull to the left or right, which aside from being dangerous, can lead to further damage if left untreated.
Issue with turning your vehicle
Bearings are what help your car turn from side to side. If you hear a grinding noise when turning, you may have damaged your bearing. This can affect you trying to turn your vehicle in a direction. If you do hit a pothole and notice an issue, bring it in. We can inspect it to ensure that the parts are not damaged. This can help you to have a reliable drive.