Beware the Dangers of Potholes and the Damage They Cause
Potholes are the bane of every driver’s existence, as we all have a story about one appearing suddenly and that heart-stopping moment where you are waiting for your vehicle to make contact with the road again. When you hit a pothole, there can be devastating damage to your vehicle that will require immediate attention.
Potential Pothole Damages
- Tire Damage - Deep potholes or those with jagged edges can burst a tire, leading to a blowout. This damaged tire can also cause your vehicle to lurch or veer to one side, putting you in danger of a collision.
- Steering Misalignment - The force of hitting a pothole can break or shift components of your vehicle’s steering system. If the damage to your car involves steering or wheel alignment then you may have difficulty avoiding potential accidents.
- Undercarriage Damage - If your vehicle makes contact with the asphalt, then the undercarriage of your vehicle can be harmed. One such component, the exhaust, poses a risk to your safety, as carbon monoxide could begin entering your cabin.
- Bodily Harm - If the force of impact is violent enough, then you or your passengers can be harmed. Injuries to the head, neck, or spine can be quite severe, and general bruising can happen as well.
How Do I Tell if a Pothole Damaged My Car?
If you immediately notice the steering pull to one side or your steering wheel shakes after a collision with a pothole, then your vehicle is likely damaged. Whenever you can safely pull over, get out and carefully inspect your tires and undercarriage. To be positive, you can bring your vehicle to a service center, like the one at Hawk Mazda in Plainfield so that a professional technician can inspect the vehicle for signs of pothole damage.