Potholes – they’re a common yet concerning road issue. This post will explore more about them, how they can affect your car, and the best ways to better shield your vehicle from them.
What are Potholes?
Potholes are indentations in a road. Most of the time, they form in asphalt pavements that are affected by water damage. If not fixed, the area will start to weaken and crumble resulting in a pothole that will grow in size until repaired.
How Potholes Hurt Your Car
At first glance, a pothole might not seem like it could cause serious damage but it can. When you drive through one, it causes your vehicle to slightly tilt downward. This can put strain on your tire’s belts and suspensions as it tries to steady the vehicle. In some cases, the sharp debris inside the hole could also puncture your tire. Besides this, the low elevation could cause the pothole to scrap against your vehicle resulting in body damage.
3 Ways to Protect Your Vehicle From Potholes
When you come across a pothole it can sometimes be difficult to avoid. But, there are a few methods you can use to better protect your vehicle from it.
Try to Go Around It: If you’re traveling down an empty and open road, try to avoid the pothole by going around it. This way, you can completely steer clear of it. However, in some cases, this isn’t safe. If you’re unable to carefully move around the pothole, slow down and gently roll through it.
Keep Your Steering Wheel Steady: Many drivers make the mistake of loosening their grip on the steering wheel when they go through a pothole. This is extremely dangerous as the hole can tilt the tire in a different direction. If you travel through a pothole, make sure to keep a firm grip on the wheel. This will keep both you and your car safe.
Check the Tire Pressure: You’ll also want to inspect the tire pressure. If your tires have low pressure, they’re more likely to become damaged by a pothole. Because of this, ensure that your tires have the proper amount of air pressure as instructed in the owers guide. This will help the tires stay firm so your car remains balanced as you drive.
Potholes are often unavoidable but you can better safeguard your vehicle from them with these tips. If you’re concerned that your car may have been damage from running through a pothole, visit Downtown Autobody in Rohnert Park. We’ll be happy to provide a quote for any issues that might be evident.