The Best Ways to Keep Potholes From Ruining Your Car
Driving in late winter and early spring can be brutal on your car, especially if you live in an area with freezing and thawing temperatures due to the proliferation of potholes. Potholes are the result of moisture buildup that expands and cracks the pavement, which is further eroded by traffic, and due to harsh seasonal conditions, cities may not be able to repair this damage before it can cause damage to your vehicle.
Unfortunately, you may have to protect yourself from winter potholes to avoid costly steering and suspension repairs, as well as broken rims and blown tires.
Monitor tire pressure and wear
You should check your tires regularly for wear, including checking their tread depth . Maintaining tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended level will also reduce the likelihood of damaging potholes. Most cars have monitoring systems that alert you if the pressure drops or drops below a certain level, but in winter you should check all four tires once a month (since pressure drops faster in cold weather). Your vehicle’s wheel alignment and suspension should also be checked by a professional.
Drive slower
You may not be able to avoid every pothole, but slowing down (within a safe speed) and paying close attention to the road will give you time to react quickly to any danger you encounter. Otherwise, you may swerve unexpectedly, which could endanger other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. In general, driving slower reduces the risk of damage to your wheels and suspension. Drive with extreme caution through puddles—they may actually be potholes.
Drive straighter
Again, don’t swerve to avoid the pothole. If you can position it under the vehicle without leaving the lane, do so carefully. Otherwise, it’s best to drive straight over the pothole and slowly, as the risk of damaging the sidewall of your tire increases if you drive over it. Release the brakes (don’t slam on them) just before you reach the hole so your wheels can roll smoothly through it. You can also warn other cars about a pothole by slamming on the brakes.
Stop and check the impact
If you hit a pothole hard, don’t ignore it. Find a safe parking spot and look for damage to the tire and wheel (front and rear). Pay attention to any shaking, vibration or pulling while driving and monitor tire pressure, as air loss may result from a slow leak rather than a blowout. Uneven tire wear can also be a sign of additional damage. When in doubt, have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic.