It’s happened to us all at some time or other. We’ve been driving along on autopilot, and before we know it, we’ve driven straight into a pothole. Depending on the severity of the pothole, the jolt from dropping into the depression can affect everything from your vehicle’s tyres to their alignment and, if you drive over them repeatedly it can really take a toll on suspension too
The Hidden Complications Due to Potholes
Whether we’ve got top of the range Pirelli tyres or Kumho tyres on our car, they can be damaged by driving into a pothole. The extent of the damage will be affected by the speed at which you hit the pothole and also the depth of the hole. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll damage the tyre so that it fails completely although, as often is the case the damage will build up over time without you even noticing that there is a problem.
Tyre Damage
Hitting a pothole hard can bend the rim of your wheel which will result in a compromised seal between the tyre and rim which will ultimately lead to air leaks and a flat tyre. That’s why it’s always important to check your tyres regularly and note any changes.
Issues with Alignment
Driving into potholes can also cause issues with alignment which can affect steering, lead to premature or uneven wear on the tread of your tyres and cause the vehicle to vibrate. You may also notice that your car is ‘pulling’ to one side as you’re driving. This is an indication that your wheels are out of alignment. Not only will this mean that you will need to replace your tyres more often, but it also affects the safety of the vehicle.
Problems with Suspension
The suspension system not only supports the weight of your vehicle, but it has been designed to absorb and dampen shocks and ensure that your tyres remain in constant contact with the surface of the road. By driving over a pothole, the force on the tyre is transferred to the suspension. If this happens repeatedly, it will accelerate the wear and tear and decrease the performance of the suspension system. You’re unlikely to notice this until it becomes a problem.
Damage to Your Vehicle
If the pothole is particularly deep and you hit it with considerable force, your vehicle may actually make contact with the surface of the road. The resultant damage may range from scratches to the undercarriage to breakage of mechanical components.
Get Your Car Checked Out
If your car has been over one too many potholes, it’s wise to get it checked out before the damage becomes a problem. And, as we’ve said before, it’s advisable to inspect your tyres on a regular basis so you can spot any changes as soon as possible.
The Hidden Complications Due to Potholes
Whether we’ve got top of the range Pirelli tyres or Kumho tyres on our car, they can be damaged by driving into a pothole. The extent of the damage will be affected by the speed at which you hit the pothole and also the depth of the hole. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll damage the tyre so that it fails completely although, as often is the case the damage will build up over time without you even noticing that there is a problem.
Tyre Damage
Hitting a pothole hard can bend the rim of your wheel which will result in a compromised seal between the tyre and rim which will ultimately lead to air leaks and a flat tyre. That’s why it’s always important to check your tyres regularly and note any changes.
Issues with Alignment
Driving into potholes can also cause issues with alignment which can affect steering, lead to premature or uneven wear on the tread of your tyres and cause the vehicle to vibrate. You may also notice that your car is ‘pulling’ to one side as you’re driving. This is an indication that your wheels are out of alignment. Not only will this mean that you will need to replace your tyres more often, but it also affects the safety of the vehicle.
Problems with Suspension
The suspension system not only supports the weight of your vehicle, but it has been designed to absorb and dampen shocks and ensure that your tyres remain in constant contact with the surface of the road. By driving over a pothole, the force on the tyre is transferred to the suspension. If this happens repeatedly, it will accelerate the wear and tear and decrease the performance of the suspension system. You’re unlikely to notice this until it becomes a problem.
Damage to Your Vehicle
If the pothole is particularly deep and you hit it with considerable force, your vehicle may actually make contact with the surface of the road. The resultant damage may range from scratches to the undercarriage to breakage of mechanical components.
Get Your Car Checked Out
If your car has been over one too many potholes, it’s wise to get it checked out before the damage becomes a problem. And, as we’ve said before, it’s advisable to inspect your tyres on a regular basis so you can spot any changes as soon as possible.
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