Why You Should Avoid Potholes on the Road

More Than a Bumpy Ride

As winter transitions into spring, “pothole season” arrives with a vengeance. While hitting one might just feel like a jarring jolt, the reality is that the impact can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s most critical safety systems. From bent rims to destroyed shocks, a single deep pothole is often the catalyst for a major repair bill.

The Real Damage Caused by Potholes:

• Tire Blowouts and Sidewall Bubbles: The sudden compression can slice through the internal structure of your tire. If you notice a bulge on the side of your tire, it’s a ticking time bomb and often means you’ll need new tires immediately to avoid a blowout.
• Bent Rims: Modern aluminum rims are brittle. A hard hit can bend or crack the wheel, leading to slow leaks that even expert tire repair won’t fix.
• Misalignment: Potholes are a leading cause of steering misalignment. If your car no longer tracks straight or your steering wheel is off-center, your wheel alignment needs professional attention.
• Suspension Trauma: Shocks, struts, and ball joints are designed to handle bumps, but a violent pothole impact can snap or wear these parts prematurely, compromising your vehicle’s stability.
• Exhaust and Undercarriage Damage: Deep holes can cause your car to bottom out, potentially denting your oil pan or knocking your exhaust system loose.

How to Minimize the Impact

Prevention is the best strategy. Maintain a safe following distance so you can see the road surface ahead and avoid sudden swerving, which can be more dangerous than the pothole itself. If an impact is unavoidable, slow down early. Crucially, release your brakes just before hitting the hole—this allows the wheel to roll through the impact rather than slamming into the edge with locked-up suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions