How to Avoid Potholes Damage to Your Vehicle
Posted on April 30, 2021
Driving can be smooth sailing until you hit a bump. Potholes are one of those annoying road hazards that seem to appear out of nowhere, and they can do some serious damage to your vehicle if you’re not careful.
From blowing out tires to messing up your alignment, these pesky pits on the pavement are more than just a minor inconvenience. And let's not forget, a sudden encounter with a deep pothole can be downright dangerous, especially when you’ve got the kids in the backseat.
In this post, we'll share practical tips on how to avoid potholes while driving and protect your ride from unnecessary repairs. From spotting potential trouble on the road to adjusting your driving habits, we'll cover everything you need to know to face those tricky patches with confidence.
What Is a Pothole and How Does It Form?
Potholes are road surface defects caused by pavement deterioration, which can be small cracks or large enough to harm your vehicle. They typically occur when continuous traffic wear causes road surfaces to fracture.
Water then seeps into the cracks, freezes in cold temperatures, expands, and further widens the cracks. As the ice thaws, it repeats the cycle, eventually culminating in a pothole.
Potholes are prevalent in spring due to the freeze-thaw cycle in winter. Fortunately, pothole repairs are relatively straightforward. Many cities offer services where citizens can report potholes, and a team is dispatched to fill them in, restoring road safety.
What Kind of Damage Can a Pothole Do to Your Vehicle?
Potholes pose a significant risk to your vehicle. They primarily damage your tires, leading to punctures, bulges, or, in worst-case scenarios, blowouts.
They can disrupt your car's alignment, causing steering difficulties and uneven tire wear. The suspension, which is responsible for a smooth ride, may also be damaged, resulting in a less comfortable drive and increased wear and tear over time.
But it doesn't stop there—potholes can also harm your steering, making your car harder to control and less safe. If you’ve hit a pothole recently, it's a good idea to book a service appointment at CarHub to check for damage.
Regular maintenance is also key to preventing bigger problems down the road, so visit us for tips and services to keep your car in great shape and ready for city driving!
How To Tell If a Pothole Has Damaged Your Car
Larger and deeper potholes are more likely to cause damage to your car, but even smaller ones can sometimes have an impact. Here’s how you can tell if a pothole has caused any issues:
- Low Tire Pressure: If you notice that your tire pressure warning light comes on, it could be a sign that a pothole has caused a leak or puncture.
- Dented Tires or Rims: Check your tires and rims for visible dents or damage. Potholes can sometimes cause visible marks or deformities.
- Steering Issues: If your car feels like it's pulling to one side or steering seems off, it might be due to alignment issues caused by hitting a pothole.
If you experience any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your car inspected by a professional to ensure everything is in good condition.
How To Avoid Pothole Damage
Avoiding potholes is the best way to prevent damage to your vehicle. Here are some practical tips to help you steer clear of these road hazards:
1. Be Cautious Around Puddles
Always try to avoid driving through puddles if you can. They might look harmless, but they often hide deep and dangerous potholes. These hidden hazards can seriously damage your vehicle. So, stay safe and steer clear of puddles.
2. Improve Your Visibility
Stay clear of pesky potholes by staying alert and scanning the road in front of you. Look out for any unusual features or possible pothole signs. Remember to keep your headlights in good shape for an unobstructed view, especially when the light is low.
3. Be Cautious Around Puddles
When driving, if you can safely avoid them, steer clear of puddles. These seemingly harmless pools of water can conceal potholes, making them difficult to spot.
A deep puddle might be hiding a dangerous hole or irregularity in the road surface, increasing the risk of tire damage or suspension issues if you drive over it.
4. Avoid Sudden Swerves
Instantly swerving to dodge a pothole isn't just dangerous; it's alarming for others on the road, too, increasing the chances of a crash. Rather than making quick, jarring moves, try to gently and safely steer around the pothole instead.
5. Keep Up with Car Maintenance
Ensure your tires are properly inflated to reduce the risk of damage when you encounter a pothole. Properly inflated tires and well-maintained shocks and struts help cushion impacts and minimize damage.
Avoid driving on underinflated tires, as they can lead to rim damage and reduced control. Overinflated tires can also increase the risk of suspension damage.
6. Drive Slowly at Night
Reduced visibility at night makes it harder to spot potholes. Slow down to increase your reaction time and reduce the risk of hitting them. This is particularly important in poor weather conditions like rain or strong winds.
Minimize Car Damage When Driving Over Potholes
If you can't avoid a pothole, there are several strategies you can use to minimize the damage to your vehicle:
1. Slow Down and Coast
Reduce your speed before approaching a pothole, and then release the brakes just before you hit it. Applying the brakes while in the pothole can increase the damage to your vehicle. By coasting over the pothole, you reduce the impact speed and allow your suspension to absorb the shock more effectively.
2. Drive Slowly
When driving on roads filled with potholes, keep your speed low. This gives you more time to safely navigate around the potholes and reduces the force of impact when you do hit them, lessening the potential for damage.
3. Firmly Grip the Steering Wheel
Potholes can make your vehicle harder to control. If you can’t avoid one, grip the steering wheel firmly to maintain control and steer through the pothole safely.
4. Hit the Pothole Squarely
Keep your wheels straight to hit the pothole head-on. Striking it at an angle increases the risk of damage to your tires, rims, and suspension.
5. Maintain Your Suspension
Regularly check your vehicle’s suspension system, including shocks, struts, and springs. Well-maintained suspension components help cushion the impact of potholes and protect your vehicle from damage.
6. Keep Tires Properly Inflated
Ensure your tires are correctly inflated according to manufacturer recommendations. Both under-inflated and over-inflated tires are more susceptible to damage when hitting a pothole. Also, regularly inspect your tires for excessive wear or side wall bulges.
Can We Report Potholes and How Quickly Will They Be Fixed?
Yes, you can report potholes, and the city will send a crew to fix them. To report a pothole, just call 311. Repairing potholes does come with a cost.
For example, fixing a single pothole in Toronto costs about $25, and the city spends between $4 million and $5 million each year on these repairs. On average, it takes 15-20 minutes to repair one pothole.
Once reported, potholes on busy roads usually get fixed within 4 days. However, repairs on less busy side streets can take up to 30 days, as these areas are lower priority. The city has around 25 crews working daily to handle these repairs, so your reports help them address the issues more efficiently.
Does Insurance Cover Pothole Damage?
Yes, most car insurance policies can cover pothole damage, but it depends on your coverage. When getting insurance in Ontario, make sure your policy includes coverage for such incidents. If you need to file a claim for pothole damage, your insurer can guide you through the process.
Hitting a pothole is typically classified as a single-vehicle collision, so you'll need collision or all-perils coverage to claim repairs. If you don’t have this type of coverage, you’ll need to pay for repairs out of pocket.
Additionally, some insurance companies may consider pothole damage an at-fault claim, which could impact your premiums. It’s a good idea to review your policy and consult with your insurer to understand how it might affect your coverage and costs before filing a claim.
Schedule Your Top-Tier Auto Service at CarHub Today
Avoiding pothole damage might seem challenging, but with a few smart strategies, you can protect your vehicle and keep it running smoothly. Remember to drive cautiously, maintain good visibility, and keep your tires and suspension in top shape.
If you do run into trouble, don’t worry—CarHub has you covered. Our team is here to handle any pothole damage and get you back on the road quickly. We’re all about making sure your experience is smooth and satisfying.
Book an appointment with us today, and let us take care of your car so you can enjoy a worry-free drive!