7 tips for avoiding car damage from potholes

It's "pothole season!" Potholes can create a bumpy ride and damage your vehicle.
Many
potholes are caused when water seeps into soil under the pavement and then
freezes and thaws, weakening the road. This may cause the pavement to crack,
which, when combined with the weight of vehicles driving over the road,
eventually turns these weak areas into potholes, says the Summit County Engineer in Ohio. Because of the role
freezing temperatures can play in pothole formation, winter weather can
often lead to the creation of potholes.
The
tips below can help you handle potholes safely and may even minimize the impact
to your car:
1. SAFE DISTANCE
Maintain
a safe distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you so you can
easily spot potholes ahead.
2. USE CAUTION
Use
caution when approaching puddles of water as they could really be potholes in
hiding.
3. SLOW DOWN
If
you can't avoid hitting a pothole, slow down before you hit it and firmly grip
the wheel to avoid losing control of your vehicle.
4. INFLATE TIRES
To
minimize the impact that hitting a pothole can have on your car, ensure your
tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended level, suggests Consumer
Reports.
5. CAR SUSPENSION
Ensure
your car's suspension is in good condition. Your mechanic can help you confirm
this.
6. REPORT POTHOLES
Help
other motorists avoid damage by reporting potholes to your local municipality.
Many major cities and states now have apps for sharing pothole locations.
7. DAMAGE TO LOOK FOR
These
are some signs that your car may have sustained damage after hitting a pothole:
One
or more deflated tires
Severe
cracks or bulges in the tires
Dents
in the wheel rims
The
vehicle shaking and pulling to the left or right, which could indicate an alignment
problem
Fluid
leaks, which may mean your undercarriage is damaged
Odd
noises coming from the exhaust system
If
the pothole did cause damage to your vehicle, it may be a good idea to call
your insurance agent to see if your auto policy might help cover some of the
repair costs.
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