How Potholes Can Damage Your Car
If you’ve been a licensed driver for any amount of time, you’re probably familiar with the annoyances that come with those persistent bumps in the road we call potholes. Potholes are due to water seeping into cracks in the road. As water freezes in the colder months, it breaks the pavement until we’re left with holes. They grow larger and deeper as the weather and vehicles chip away at them.
The Formula 1 Collision Center technicians are experts at repairing pothole damage to cars. Give us a call when you need a reliable collision center in Tucson, AZ.
Tires
Tire punctures are the most common type of pothole damage to cars you might experience. Potholes have sharp edges, and if these forcefully hit the tires, they’re likely to burst or at least get a small puncture. You should always pull over after hitting a pothole to ensure the tire isn’t losing air.
Wheels
If potholes are deep enough, you’re likely to have wheel damage like a rim bending or cracking or hubcaps loosening. It could also loosen the bearings and eventually cause the wheel to fall off the car.
Steering and Suspension
Pothole damage to cars can go far beyond the tires and wheels. Hitting a pothole hard enough can damage the suspension, which will affect your ability to steer. If you feel your car pulling one way, you likely have suspension misalignment and need to visit a mechanic as soon as possible, as it could make driving dangerous.
Potholes can also cause shock absorber failure, causing you to have a bouncy ride. The kids may think it’s fun, but it will greatly hinder your ability to steer with ease.
Body
Poor road conditions may damage the outside of your vehicle if the potholes are large and deep enough. You may notice scratches on the side skirts and bumpers, and they may even detach. This is extremely dangerous to yourself and drivers around you, so do what you can to avoid the potholes that are more like craters.
Undercarriage
Pothole damage to cars can have a huge effect on everything underneath. It can cause axle strain, damage or detach mufflers, or break exhaust systems and catalytic converters. If the latter is damaged, you risk breathing in exhaust fumes inside the car.
Formula 1 Collison Center Repairs Pothole Damage to Cars
When you roll over a pothole, you need to do the following:
- Look for warning lights on the dashboard.
- Listen for unusual noises and feel for vibrations.
- Pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so.
- Look for tire and wheel damage that may affect your ability to drive safely.
- If it’s unsafe for you to drive, call a roadside assistance company for help.
- If it’s safe to drive, head to the nearest mechanic.
Formula 1 Collision Center in Tucson, AZ, can repair any pothole damage to cars you may encounter. We can repair damaged alloy wheels, mufflers, tires, and whatever else you may have damaged. Call us at (520) 369-4291 for an estimate, or head over and we’ll give you one on the spot.
