No one likes the feeling of driving over potholes – it can be loud, jarring, and frankly, rather concerning. If you’ve experienced that heart jolt after accidentally driving over a pothole, you may have wondered how bad potholes actually are for your car.
The simple answer: very bad. Your car isn’t meant to take on sudden jolts while driving and it can result in tire, suspension, and undercarriage issues. Whether you have recently driven over a pothole or are looking for more reasons to avoid one, here are some common results that can come from driving over a pothole.
Where Do Potholes Come From?
A pothole forms when the concrete or asphalt is weakened or damaged, causing cracking and deterioration. This can happen from:
- Heavy Traffic
- Compacted or Loose Soil
- Poor Drainage
- Heavy Rain
- Freezing Water
- Wear & Tear
- Improper Maintenance
They form most often during the winter months, as the constant moisture and freezing temperatures cause and exacerbate existing problems. When water freezes, it expands, pushing apart cracks and causing loose cement.
When there is not enough proper maintenance or repairs, potholes can continue to expand and get worse, leading to hazardous road conditions for drivers.
1. Tire & Wheel Damage
The most obvious at-risk part of your car is your tires and wheels. Though some kinds of tires are built to endure off-roading and various weather conditions, cracked pavements and holes can cause pretty bad damage to your wheels.
- Bent or Cracked Wheels – Some materials of wheels, such as alloy, are vulnerable to bending or cracking. This can cause air leaks or complete failure.
- Tire Blowouts – Sharp edges of potholes can puncture tires, causing punctures, holes, or blowouts.
2. Suspension & Alignment Issues
Another problem that a pothole can cause is damage to your suspension and alignment. Even though your car’s suspension is meant to absorb impact and help balance your vehicle when going over uneven terrain, repeated pothole encounters can cause long-term damage.
- Worn-Out Shocks & Struts – If they undergo too much wear and tear, your shocks and struts may not function as they should, leading to a very bumpy ride.
- Misaligned Wheels – Driving over a pothole could impact your alignment, leading to uneven tire wear, steering issues, and the need to replace your tires sooner.
3. Undercarriage Damage
Potholes can severely damage the underside of your car if loose parts or sharp edges scrape the bottom. This can lead to some serious issues that will need to be addressed immediately.
- Fluid Leaks – A pothole may puncture or crack your car’s oil pan or damage its transmission lines. This can cause engine problems.
- Exhaust System Damage – A hit can lead to dented or loose parts of the exhaust system, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and louder car noises.
How to Protect Your Car from Pothole Damage
To ensure your car is protected from all these potential issues, there are some steps to take to care for and maintain your car.
- Stay Alert – When driving, try to keep an eye out for potholes so you can avoid driving over them if possible. Especially when there are poor driving conditions, like snow or rain, stay extra alert.
- Check Your Tires – Ensure that your tires are well maintained; keeping them fully inflated helps to absorb impact.
- Slow Down – There can be more damage to your car if you drive over a pothole at a high speed. Stay safe and minimize speeding.
- Get Regular Inspections & Maintenance – Regular car maintenance is important for keeping your car in working condition for as long as possible. However, if you notice odd noises, vibrations, or pulling to one side after hitting a pothole, you should bring your car in to get it checked by a professional.
Pothole Damage Repair
To give your car the best care, it’s important to practice safe driving habits and get problems fixed as soon as possible. At Paskett Auto, we offer full servicing to identify, diagnose, and solve any difficulties with your car.
Whether a pothole has caused issues to your alignment, suspension, tires, wheels, or exhaust, we can quickly assess the damage and get your car back to new. We value high-quality work and full transparency when it comes to your vehicle.
If your car has been damaged by a pothole, don’t wait to address it! Contact us today to get your car back to functionality.
