Why You Should Avoid Potholes in Sulphur Springs, TX

Why You Should Avoid Potholes

For many towns and cities, one of the first signs that spring has arrived is the appearance of potholes. Do you know how these holes can damage your car and affect your safety while driving? Just one solid bump or a series of smaller hits from potholes can wreak havoc on your vehicle's alignment, suspension, and tires.

Whether you smack into a pothole straight on or manage to dodge it partially, there's still a chance for damage to occur. Usually, two things will determine how bad that damage is: how fast you're going when you hit the pothole and how deep the pothole is.

Some pothole damage might immediately be obvious, like if your tire goes flat. But other issues could sneak up on you. Over time, you might feel like your ride is bumpier or doesn't handle as smoothly.

Vehicle Parts Susceptible to Damage from Hitting a Pothole

Tires

Potholes put your tires through the wringer. It can lead to uneven wear and even damage. When you hit a pothole, it affects the sidewall or face of your tire, which can't be fixed. So, a nasty pothole bump might spell the end for your tire.

If the hit is hard enough, it can even bend a rim. When that happens, it messes up the seal between the rim and the tire, leading to air leaks and flat tires. As part of your yearly spring check-up or when you're swapping out winter tires, make sure to inspect your tires for any weird wear or damage on the sidewalls and tread.

You should also keep in mind that potholes don’t only affect your tires. Hitting them can also affect your wheels, shocks, and other front parts of your car.

Alignment

When your car runs over a pothole, it can get out of alignment, which means it's not squared up properly anymore. It can lead to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations like bumpy rides, difficulty steering, and uneven tire wear.

If you start feeling your car pulling to one side while driving, that's a clear sign of misalignment. This not only makes driving less enjoyable but can also cost you more in the long run due to having to replace tires more often. Plus, it can make driving less safe and contribute to fatigue.

Getting a computerized wheel alignment is the way to go. It ensures all four wheels are lined up correctly and flat on the road and keeps your steering wheel centered. This way, you're cruising straight and minimizing tire wear.

Suspension

Your car's suspension system is built to support the vehicle's weight, absorb and soften shocks, and keep the tires in contact with the road. When you drive over a pothole, the impact hits your tire and passes along to various parts of the suspension (like springs, shock absorbers, and linkages). Hitting those potholes repeatedly can speed up wear on your suspension and make it perform worse.

At first, you may not notice that anything is off. But after some time, you could start to feel that your car isn't handling bumps as well as it used to. It might even start bouncing around more. If you hit a deep pothole hard enough, it can compress your suspension so much that your car touches the road. Depending on how bad it is, this could lead to anything from a scratched undercarriage to broken parts.

Steering

That pull to the side could be more than just a problem with your suspension. It might also mean your steering system has been jostled or misaligned. This can lead to vibrations in the steering wheel and make it more challenging to handle your car, truck, or SUV.

Visit Jay Hodge Chevrolet for Reliable Auto Repairs in Sulphur Springs, TX.

If you hit a pothole and your car gets banged up, reach out to us at Jay Hodge Chevrolet. Our service team is committed to helping drivers in Sulphur Springs, TX, and nearby areas. Our skilled mechanics will walk you through the damage and share some handy tips on handling pothole issues.

So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment at our auto service center today. We can have your car running like new in no time.