So you’re cruising down the road and enjoying your smooth ride. Then, all of a sudden, your car feels like it is wobbling, bouncing and the smooth ride is interrupted by a vicious shake. No, the earth is not shaking but the cause of that interrupted smooth ride is no other than driving over a pothole.
It may seem as though everything is okay. Your car is still running and you feel that you can still get to your destination. However, in the sudden turn of events, you find yourself in need of roadside assistance because your car doesn’t work anymore.
Could driving over a pothole cause so much damage? Well, it certainly could, especially if it is a large one like the one that was in R.L. Thornton Freeway. It could lead to major damages to your tires, alignment, suspension, and others. Although there are times when the damage isn’t that severe, there are times when you need to have your car repaired just because of that pothole.
Let’s help you figure out when you need car repair by watching out for various signs pertaining to certain car damages.
Suspension Damage
Damage to your vehicle’s suspension is quite common for those who run over potholes. The damage happens in the struts and shocks. The problem with this kind of damage is that it may not immediately be evident. As time passes, you could observe these 3 signs:
- Car sways or rocks when you change lanes or turn
- Minor bumps could cause your car to bottom out
- Presence of excessive bouncing on rough roads or when driving over bumps
A thorough inspection of the vehicle should be done when you notice these signs. If not, the signs could worsen. When that happens, the suspension could completely break.
It may seem that suspension damage only causes a less comfortable ride. However, it could eventually lead to a vehicle that’s difficult to control especially at top speeds. Don’t risk getting an accident just because your suspension is damaged. Have them checked and repaired.
Alignment Damage
Another type of damage that you can get out of driving over potholes is alignment damage. In order to control your vehicle properly, there should also be proper alignment. The problem with driving over potholes as well as speed bumps is that they may knock the car out of alignment. Here are some signs that there is alignment damage:
- The car pulls in one direction even if you are driving straight
- The steering wheel is off-center
- Your tire is wearing out unevenly
At first, the misalignment may not seem to cause a lot of damage to the vehicle. However, over time, the damages pile up. A car that pulls in either direction when you are trying to drive straight is dangerous and could lead to an accident due to an uncontrolled vehicle.
When the tires are worn out unevenly due to the misalignment, there is a better chance of you having a flat or a blown-out tire. A blown-out tire isn’t just loud and startling. It could also lead to not being able to control your vehicle.
Tire Damage
You can also develop tire damage when driving over potholes. That’s especially true if your tires are not properly inflated. Optimally inflated tires may reduce the chance of damage to the tires, alignment, and suspension as well.
However, in the unfortunate event that you get your tires damaged due to a pothole, then you should have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Don’t risk driving with a damaged tire. Here are a few signs that you should watch out for:
- Underinflated tires
- Damaged or dented rims
- Bulging sidewalls
Running over a pothole may not immediately blow up your tires. However, it can certainly cause it to blow up or flatten easily. Sometimes they flatten silently that you don’t even notice it. Those are due to the compromised integrity of your tires.
It is best to have the tires checked before you have a blown out tire and stuck in on the road. Lessen your chances of being in need of roadside assistance to also improve your safety.
Also, remember that the damage due to the pothole may not be too severe at first. It is possible that they can still be repaired. That can greatly help save you money because you won’t need a tire replacement instead.
In case you run over a notorious pothole and develop a flat tire, the best to call is Premio Towing Company. They provide all sorts of roadside assistance to those in the Dallas area...
