How Do Potholes Form?

As the temperature outside fluctuates, bringing ice and snow one day then thawing it out the next, one thing we are sure to see more of are potholes as the season continues. Potholes form when the soil layers under the road freeze and then thaw, becoming weak or displaced which allows for pavement chips, cracks, and deformations that grow larger as cars drive over them. These holes in the road can cause serious vehicle damage and are important to avoid.   

Pothole Protection

Even if the roads in your area are prone to potholes, there are ways to avoid them and the damage they can cause to your car. The most important thing is to drive with caution, keeping a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you so that you can spot potholes well before you encounter them. Swerving to avoid potholes increases the odds of road accidents, so the best thing to do is slow down and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel to minimize the impact of driving over the pothole and not lose control of your vehicle. Keeping your tires fully inflated is one of the best defenses against pothole damage and danger on the road. Avoid driving through puddles of standing water that can often hide large potholes and their severity; when these can’t be avoided, slow down to maneuver your vehicle safely through.

Pothole Damage to Check

Sometimes potholes cannot be avoided, so if you drive over them take time to look over your vehicle for signs of damage in five key areas:

Tires – hitting a pothole can deflate or blow out one or more of your tires, and cause cracks or bulges that cannot be detected while driving. Damage of this sort must be repaired quickly, so look over your tires after encountering many potholes on the road or if you hit a particularly bad one.

Wheels – chips, bends, and fractures in wheels impair their safety and often require immediate replacement. A chip or bend is often easy to spot, but fractures require a clean wheel to detect.

Suspension – the suspension is meant to handle bumps in the road, but potholes are capable of far greater impact than manufacturers intended. Common problems are broken alignment, ball joints, struts, and tailpipe. If you find your car veering left or right on straight roads, this is a sign to visit a mechanic to straighten things out.

Exhaust – when you hit a pothole this can cause the car to bottom out, creating holes in the exhaust pipe, muffler, and catalytic converter. If you start experiencing a loss of power, unpleasant noises or smells coming from the car, this is a sign you need to bring your car to a mechanic for repair as these can pose serious health hazards.

Vehicle Body – the undercarriage of your car is especially prone to both functional and cosmetic damage from potholes. Make a note of any fluid leaks that would indicate breaks or cracks or hanging parts that could become road debris and get them fixed right away for the longevity of your car and the safety of other drivers.

Always play it safe when it comes to encountering potholes. Practicing these safe driving tips will help you avoid vehicle damage and keep others safe on the road.