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Friday: 7am – 5pm

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Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

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5 Reasons to Avoid Hitting a Pothole This Spring

by | Mar 30, 2022 | Potholes, Potholes and damage, Potholes and tires, Regular Maintenance | 0 comments

A pothole can cause extensive damage to your car. As spring rolls in and temperatures start to go up, it’s only natural to embrace the warmer weather by getting outside, planting that garden, or even going for a drive. But, spring also has a few things we should avoid like those dreaded potholes. Potholes form when our temperatures fluctuate from winter to spring and back again – causing damage to roads and cars alike. If you’ve been wondering if you should just drive through one or try to avoid them altogether, keep reading as we’ve got 5 reasons to avoid potholes this spring.

A Pothole can cause tire damage

The most obvious reason to avoid potholes this spring is tire damage. Your tires take a direct hit when driving through potholes, which can result in flat tires or other internal damage. If you unexpectedly hit a pothole, be sure to check for a flat tire, or even bulging or bubbles on your tire which is a sign that your tire has sustained internal damage to the structure or sidewall. While you’re at it, you might as well inspect your wheels for any damage, as well. Wheels are also susceptible to pothole damage and can bend, break, or crack upon impact.

Bypass suspension & alignment damage

After your tires and wheels, your suspension is also most likely to suffer after hitting a pothole. Signs that your suspension or alignment has been damaged, or knocked out of alignment include pulling to one side while driving, shaking when driving at high speeds, and extra bouncing after hitting a bump in the road. If you notice any of these signs, ask your mechanic to check your suspension and alignment.

Sidestep shock absorbers damage

In addition to your suspension, your shock absorbers can break on impact if you inadvertently hit a pothole. Look for oil leaking from your car and extra bouncing while driving. You can test your shock absorbers by pushing down hard on the front corner of your car a few times. If your car keeps bouncing a few times when you’re done, it’s a sign that those shock absorbers need some attention.

A Pothole can cause exhaust system damage

Potholes can also cause damage to your exhaust system. Your exhaust can break loose or bend causing a few issues for your vehicle. The number one sign that something is wrong with your exhaust is strange noises coming from your backend. If you notice any strange, loud noises after running into a pothole, be sure to have this checked out by your mechanic.

Fend off any excess fluid leakage

One last area of damage caused by potholes that you may not have thought of is excess fluid leakage. Depending on the size and depth of the pothole, some cars can experience dents in their oil pain and other low lying parts of the engine. Look for any new fluid leakage on your garage floor or driveway, then call your mechanic to have them check it out.

It’s always best to avoid potholes in the spring when you can, but we know that sometimes those pesky potholes are unavoidable. If you happen to run into one, our team is here to help you assess any damage and get you back on the road again this spring.