Potholes are small divots in the road that come from many different causes. Sometimes, potholes are the natural side effect of erosion from rain or snow, and at other times, the roads wear down when vehicles put more pressure on them. For many drivers, these small holes are a minor annoyance that causes a momentary bump in the ride. But there are plenty of reasons why you should always try to avoid potholes by going around them.
Tire Damage
Because your tires make the most contact with potholes, they’re what often take the brunt of the damage. The rough, jagged edges of a pothole can cause your tire treads to separate or wear down. In extreme situations, your tires’ sidewalls may bulge out, or the pothole may puncture the tire, resulting in a flat. To avoid wheel or tire damage, we recommend guiding them around the holes in the road whenever possible.
Bumper Misalignment
Many people neglect how vital the bumper is to the rest of your vehicle. Bumpers help absorb shocks upon impact and take the brunt of any damage so that the rest of your vehicle can hopefully stay in good shape. The sudden dip in elevation from hitting a pothole may cause the bumper to hit the road hard enough to dislodge it, resulting in loosening. It’s always a good idea to check what happens to your vehicle when you hit a pothole and see if everything is in place. If you notice the bumper is loose or damaged, you may need to take it to a body shop.
Suspension Problems
One of the biggest reasons why you should always try to avoid potholes is that, in extreme situations, they can damage your suspension. The problem with this outcome is that it’s a tough issue to catch visually, but you may start to notice the signs sooner rather than later. If you suddenly feel your car shaking more than normal or pulling roughly to one side, you may have some suspension problems, which can be an expensive fix. The best way to avoid this issue is simply to guide yourself around potholes to try and keep your suspension in better condition.
