Hit a Pothole? Check for Possible Car Damage
No matter how hard you try, sometimes you can’t avoid running over the potholes formed by a long winter. Big or small, smacking into one can cause serious damage to your car not to mention your nerves. Even if you can successfully continue driving after the jolt, it does not mean your car is really fine. Until you stop and assess possible damage caused by hitting a pothole, you can’t be sure your car hasn’t been compromised.
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“We recently surveyed drivers throughout the country and found that nearly all have hit a pothole at some point, but only one-third of those motorists had their vehicle checked after doing so,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.
If you hit a pothole, take some time to assess your tires. Does the wheel rim have a dent? Is the sidewall blistering? Has the pressure dropped? Do you see any bulges or other signs of damage?
Sometimes the damage potholes cause may not present visible signs.
“Potholes can pack a powerful punch, adversely affecting a vehicle’s handling and performance. If you hit one, be sure to look for the warning signs of damage and have your vehicle inspected to ensure safe, dependable operation,” White adds.
Hitting one of these obstacles can adversely impact your car’s alignment. Is your car pulling to one side when you drive? That’s a serious warning sign your car’s alignment has been altered.
The damage may even resonate through the steering wheel. According to the Car Care Council, you might experience “a loss of control, including swaying when making routine turns, bottoming out on city streets or bouncing excessively on rough roads.”
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With spring in full swing, potholes will be popping up like daisies. If you hit one of winter’s parting gifts, make sure to remember to check your car for visible damage. And, if you notice any difference in the way your car performs or it’s making odd noises, seek assistance from a mechanic.
DeAnn Owens is a Dayton transplant by way of the Windy City, yet considers herself to be a California girl at heart even though she’s only visited there once. To get through the dreaded allergy season unique to the Miami Valley, she reads, writes, complains about the weather, and enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and their newest addition, a Boston terrier puppy that is now in charge of all their lives. In the future, she hopes to write a novel and travel through time. See more articles by DeAnn.