Pothole Tire Damage: What You Need to Know

As winter approaches, potholes will likely increase as the weather and snowplows damage roads. The cold weather can cause pavements to freeze and push upward, resulting in potholes. This will increase the risk of hitting the potholes and causing tire and wheel damage. So what do you do if you hit a pothole while driving? Here is a guide to help you learn more about the effects of potholes and what you can do if you hit one. 

You Hit a Pothole… Now What?

When you hit a pothole, it is important to know what to do to avoid severe damage to your car that may result in costly repairs or replacements. First, it is important to check if your car got damaged. Sometimes, this may not be an easy thing to do as you may not be able to visibly see the damage that’s been done. For this reason, it is important to get an inspection immediately. Even if you do not see any physical damage, you should get the car inspected. The technician will inspect the tires, wheels, suspension, steering, and more and fix any damage detected. 

How Much Damage Can a Pothole Really Do?

Potholes can cause severe damage to your car, much more than just giving the car a strong jolt. You can experience pothole tire damage such as bent wheels, alignment issues, damaged suspension, and so much more. Here are the damages your car may experience after hitting a pothole.

Tire Damage

One of the most common and frustrating issues even for safe drivers is pothole tire damage. Depending on the impact, it can cause the sidewall to blow because of the sudden shift of air in the tire. You should avoid squeezing it since it can cause a tire puncture and flat tire. If the tire loses air after hitting a pothole, your vehicle’s tire pressure light will go on immediately. 

Wheel Damage

The wheels themselves can also get damaged after hitting a pothole because of the hard angles of a pothole. It is common to experience cracks or bends inside a wheel where the trim meets the tire. Unfortunately, bent rims cannot roll well as you drive, and if you try to drive on them, you can cause more damage to your vehicle’s suspension. Hitting a pothole may also affect the airtight seal between the tire and the wheel. 

Damage to the Suspension and Steering

After hitting a pothole, you may notice your steering wheel pulling away to the left or right sides. If this happens, there could be a bend in one or more steering or suspension components. This will cause handling problems and wear due to the misaligned suspension. If you leave your tires misaligned, your vehicle can be more susceptible to other damage, including uneven tire wear.

Tips for Avoiding Pothole Damage

There are several ways to avoid or minimize pothole damage to your car components. Here are the things you should do: 

• Understand that the road may have other potholes even after you miss hitting one.
• If you are driving on an unfamiliar road, focus on what’s ahead and avoid distracted driving. 
• Ensure your tires are always in good condition and properly inflated so that you can absorb the pothole impact safely should you come across one that is unavoidable. 
• Keep enough distance between your car and the next vehicle and stay alert on the road. 

Potholes Happen. Trust the Pros at Telle Tire to Get You Back on the Road

Avoiding potholes when possible can prevent damage to your tires, wheel, suspension, steering, and other components. If you hit a pothole, it is important to get your car inspected by an experienced technician. Trust the pros at Telle Tire to perform any inspection and help repair any issues discovered. Visit a location near you, or book an appointment today!