THE DAMAGE A POTHOLE CAN DO TO YOUR VEHICLE

As the warm weather approaches, you may notice more potholes in the streets.  When snow or ice melt, the running water gets beneath the surface, disrupting the foundation of dirt under the pavement.  Over time, the pavement sinks thereby creating a pothole. During your daily commute you may encounter dozens of potholes. You do your best to  avoid them – but there is always one that you can’t seem to avoid and driving through it could cause problems with your tires, wheels, suspension, or alignment.

When you’ve had one of those jarring encounters, have your vehicle checked right away so as to prevent a small problem before it turns into a big one.

* Your tires take the majority of the impact of a pothole. Have your tires inspected for sidewall damage such as bulges and cuts. Driving on a tire with such damage can lead to a blow out or flat.

* Whether your wheels are made of steel or aluminum, check for cracks or bends.  The impact force of hitting a pothole may cause damage.

* Your vehicle steering and suspension components are designed to absorb impact and keep a smooth and controlled ride. But as with any mechanical item, these components deteriorate with time and potholes will only accelerate the process. A comprehensive inspection of the steering and suspension systems will identify any loose or worn components.

* Lastly, your car’s wheel alignment will need to be checked. If the alignment is out of specification, your vehicle’s steering may be crooked, causing you to feel a pull to one side or the other. This will cause your tires to wear out prematurely and hurt your fuel efficiency.

At Fred’s Auto Repair we have ASE Certified Technicians that can help you identify any issues just in case a pothole sneaks up on you.