Potholes and Vehicle Damage - Tips for Identifying and Avoiding Problems

Potholes are an unfortunate reality that all drivers face. It becomes a particular problem in the colder months and during the Canadian springtime. While most drivers try their best to miss potholes, the reality is that sometimes they can’t be avoided. Join us as we take a closer look at the damage that potholes cause and what you can do to minimize these effects on your car.  

Learn To Identify the Effects of Potholes on Vehicles

Potholes can cause damage to your car’s alignment, suspension, and tyres. The severity of the damage depends on the speed you’re driving and the size of the pothole. Your suspension system usually takes the brunt of the impact when you drive through a pothole. This can lead to misalignments, damaged shocks, and compromised stability. Potholes also pose a direct threat to your wheels. The impact causes punctures, bulges, and even bent rims. They can also throw your wheel alignment out. Your exhaust system can also experience dents, cracks and even dislodgement.

Know What To Do if You Suspect Damage

Pothole damage might not be immediately apparent. If you notice any changes in performance or handling, such as your car veering to the side, vibrations while driving, or a new rattle or noise from underneath your car, take it to a professional immediately. If you take your car for regular checks, most other issues can be resolved without causing additional problems.

Slow Down

Sometimes, we encounter potholes too late. At that point, there’s nothing we can do to avoid it. However, in these cases, you can still minimize the damage your car takes by slowing down. By slowing down as you go through a pothole, you not only lessen the damage to your car but also keep yourself and the other drivers on the road safe.

Avoid Curb Lanes and Pools of Water

There are certain areas of the road where potholes are more likely to form. The nature of these areas of the road also means the potholes can look less dangerous than they are. As such, it’s a good idea to try and avoid these altogether when possible. Potholes form more easily by the curb lane because of how the water drains. Additionally, any part of the road known for water puddles has a bigger chance of forming a pothole. 

Use Mobile Apps To Avoid Potholes and Report Them

Many Canadian cities have helpful apps available to show drivers where potholes are. Using an app like this while driving makes it much easier to avoid potholes altogether. It also makes it much simpler to report potholes not currently included in the app to help the city and other road users. Check if your city has an app to help you avoid potholes.

Know How To Protect Your Car From Pothole Damage

Potholes are a reality that comes with driving. While most of us do our best to avoid these hazards, sometimes that’s impossible. However, it is essential to understand what damage potholes can cause and what you can do to avoid these problems. We’re here if you need to visit a service centre in Beamsville. 

If you suspect that a pothole might’ve caused damage to your wheels, suspension, or alignment, visit Lincoln Township Motors to ensure everything is good to go. We provide car maintenance in Beamsville for a variety of issues.

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