Tips for Avoiding Pothole Damage

We’ve all been there before—one moment, you’re driving down the road, and the next, you’re clenching your steering wheel and wincing after hitting a huge, unexpected pothole. Nobody likes encountering a pothole on their daily commute. Hitting one can be jarring and cause costly damage to your car. But how do you avoid this damage? Let’s take a look at some of the top tips for avoiding pothole damage.

Give Some Space

Tailgating the car ahead of you doesn’t do anyone any favors. You’re likely aggravating the driver in front of you and putting yourself at risk of unforeseen hazards—like potholes. Leaving more space between you and the preceding car is a safer option in general, but it also gives you time to prepare for any upcoming potholes.

Take It Slow

The faster you’re driving, the less time you have to react. Stick to the speed limit so that you have time to spot a pothole and respond accordingly. Driving slower over an unavoidable pothole will also decrease the probability of sustaining damage, and the impact won’t be as jolting.

Be Wary of Puddles

Next time you’re out for a drive on a rainy day, take extra precautions when you see a puddle in the road. Puddles can be deceptively deep, and potholes are a great place for them to form. When possible, try steering clear of any puddles in the road, just in case a giant pothole is beneath the water.

Inflate Your Tires

You’re far more likely to feel the effects of a pothole encounter if your tires are over or underinflated. Match the recommended tire inflation guidelines given in your car’s owner’s manual to ensure you don’t end up with a flat after traversing a pothole-ridden road.

Potholes are difficult to avoid altogether, but with these top tips, you can avoid pothole damage.