We’ve all driven over them, swerved to avoid them, and cursed at them when they caused us to have an accident. Potholes are one of the least enjoyable things about driving, but did you know that they can cause severe damage to your car? In addition to making driving uncomfortable, potholes can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs if you hit one at the wrong angle. In this article, we’ll talk about why potholes do so much damage to your car and how you can prevent it from happening.
How Much Damage Can They Do to Your Car?
Potholes are more than just a nuisance; they can cause car trouble. How much damage they do depends on the size of the pothole, how fast you’re going when you hit it, and what kind of car you have. Smaller cars are more likely to be damaged by potholes than larger ones. Potholes can cause flats, bent rims, and alignment issues. In extreme cases, they can even cause suspension damage.
Tips for Preventing Damage When Driving
- Avoid puddles if possible, as they may hide a pothole.
- If you can’t avoid a pothole, slow down before you reach it. Hitting a pothole at high speeds can cause severe damage to your car.
- Try to drive in the middle of the lane, where potholes are less likely to form.
- Inspect your tires regularly for any signs of damage.
How Do Potholes Damage Your Car’s Suspension System?
Potholes can cause car trouble in many ways, but one of the most common is damaging your car’s suspension system. When your vehicle hits a pothole, the force of the impact can cause damage to the suspension components, including the shocks and struts. This damage can lead to a decrease in the performance of your suspension system, making your ride less comfortable and your car more difficult to control. In extreme cases, potholes can even cause tires to blow out or damage your car’s chassis.
What Are the Risks to Your Car’s Steering?
Potholes can cause car trouble in many ways, but one of the most severe risks is your car’s steering system. The impact can jar your car’s steering system out of alignment or damage the rack and pinion system in extreme cases when you hit a pothole. This can make it difficult to control your car and can even lead to accidents. In addition, potholes can damage your car’s suspension system, leading to steering problems.
Potholes are an unfortunate circumstance of driving on some roadways. Try to avoid potholes whenever possible. If you think one has caused some damage, see your mechanic as soon as possible.