Tips to Protect Your Car From Potholes

Potholes are a nuisance and happen to be one of the most common causes of damage to vehicles during this time of the year. So, how do you ensure your car does not take a toll from potholes? Here are a few simple and straightforward tips. 

1. Avoid Potholes

Perhaps the best way to prevent car damage from potholes is avoiding them from the onset. However, only avoid potholes if it’s safe to do so. Ensure your headlights are in good working condition and keep the windshield cleat so that you can see the potholes as you approach them, and consequently, safely steer around them. 

2. Slow Down

When it comes to dealing with potholes, common advice is to either hit them slowly or hit them fast. Well, the best approach is somewhere in the middle; slow down, but ensure you release the brakes before hitting the pothole and let the suspension system free range. 

3. Check the Tire Pressure

It can be very dangerous to hit a pothole with under or over-inflated tires as they are more likely to explode. 

4. Watch out for Puddles

It is impossible to see into a puddle, but more often than not, they are hiding potholes. So, be on the lookout and slow down when it comes to driving through one. 

5. Keep a Firm Grip on the Wheel

To ensure you’re still in control after hitting a pothole, you’ll want to keep a firm grip on your steering wheel and ensure you are steering straight. Avoid turning or swerving as you hit a pothole, particularly at high speed. 

Checking for Damages After Hitting a Pothole:

1. Check the Tires

First and foremost, check for any bulges or bumps on the tires. These are a sign you need to replace your tires as soon as possible. Tires can also be flat or substantially deflated. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for treat separation. 

2. Feel for Bouncing or Pulling

If your car is bouncing more than usual or the steering is pulling to one side, the pothole might have taken a toll on the steering and suspension system. 

3. Listen to the Car

If you hear unusual sounds, particularly from the vehicle’s underside, it might be the exhaust system scouring the ground after hitting a pothole.

What do you do after your car sustains damage from a pothole?

The only sane thing to do is drive to an Auto body shop and have the car inspected for damage. Ensure the parts that need repair or replacement are attended to as well.