We have all been there. Our cars alignment is finally on point, and then it seems like every pothole in the city resurfaces. It no longer has to be a situation of another hundred bucks down the drain. Potholes are the unfortunate result of poor maintenance, long lives rain events and fluctuating temperatures. Knowing how to avoid the seemingly unavoidable pothole can save you a fortune and make your ride a whole lot smoother.
Check You Tires
You want to be sure that your tires are in good condition and that they are properly inflated. You do not want to overinflate your tires, but the recommended air in your tire can go a long way by way of damage prevention.
If You Can't Miss It Slow Down For It
Sometimes you can't avoid hitting a pothole. If this is the case, then you will want to slow down when you cross over it. Never react in a snap decision. Hitting your breaks too hard too quickly or swerving can cause accidents. Think it through, be sure your path is clear and proceed with caution according to the safest option. Do not apply your break suddenly as you are already over the pothole as this can cause extensive damage mechanically.
Watch Crossing Puddles
When driving through puddles on the road, you will want to proceed with caution. Potholes, sometimes deep ones, can be under the surface of the water. Always hold the wheel tightly in the eve you do hit one you won't lose control of the vehicle.
A pothole hit at the right speed can cause as much damage as an accident at 35pmh. It can damage your tires and the undercarriage of your car. Some can take out your entire front end causing significant cost for repairs.
Other symptoms your car may have pothole damages are blisters in the side wall, dented rims, fluids leaking and noises from the exhaust. Look for the vehicle pulling to one side of the other and be sure tour tires are not wearing unevenly. These are all signs that you may have damage. If you do notice any of these issues have the car checked by an auto professional. Should they decide, the damages are from potholes contact the city or state transportation authorities where you live to see if they have a reimbursement policy.
Here are 7 actions you should take when you see a pothole
- Keep space between you and other cars (they may see it first and have to act).
- Slow Down.
- Observe the situation.
- Decide Fast, what's your next move?
- Follow through.
- Do not break hard.
- Hold tight; even small potholes can give a good jar.
Potholes are not only very costly and inconvenient, but they can be unsafe. Over correcting or swerving only to hit another vehicle that was in a blind spot is not uncommon circumstances. If you want to be sure you're protected from costly repair adding a wheel and tire protection plan is a good idea. If you see a pothole that is not being dealt with, then contact your local Department of Transportation to make a report.
