We’ve all been there: You’re driving to work in the morning, and you hit a literal bump in the road. There’s a good chance it was a pothole. Spring is an especially problematic time for potholes, thanks to the hangover from the treacherous weather of winter and the wear and tear from rock salt and snow plows.
We all know that potholes are jolting and annoying. But can they cause significant harm to your car? On average, potholes result in about $3 billion in annual damages. Keep reading to find out how.
5 Parts of Your Car That Potholes Can Throw Off
Alignment
If your steering wheel is out of whack or your car pulls toward one direction after a brush-up with a pothole, you’ve probably thrown off your alignment. Until you get it fixed, you’ll experience poor handling and uneven wear on your tires. Chances are you’ve sped through a pothole before and come out unscathed. But why risk it?
Tires
Your tires are the most likely part to take a direct hit from a pothole. The damage can range from bulging and tread deterioration to a blowout — especially if the pressure in your tire was low to begin with. Driving in any of these circumstances can be unsafe for you and your passengers.
Wheels
You might think your car is okay after you encounter a snag in the road, but the proof is in the details. Potholes can cause chips or hairline cracks in your wheels. While these may not affect your driving at first, they can gradually grow into a much bigger problem.
In more severe cases, potholes can bend your wheels, which creates particularly dangerous driving conditions.
Exhaust Pipes
Deeper potholes are dangerous in more ways than one. Some are deep enough to puncture or rupture your exhaust pipes or muffler. Damaged exhaust parts aren’t good for anyone, and can lead to a variety of problems — from loss of power to inefficient emissions.
Body
If you drive something with higher ground clearance, your vehicle’s body will likely be unaffected by hitting a pothole. But it’s a different story if you drive a low-sitting car like a sports coupe.
Potholes can wreak havoc on your undercarriage or low-hanging bumpers. Most of the damage is cosmetic but should be taken seriously if you care about your car’s appearance.
Fix Your Pothole Problem in Madison, WI
Let’s be real: Potholes aren’t going away any time soon. The best way to avoid them is to exercise safe and responsible driving. But if your car has been damaged by a pothole, Zimbrick can help. Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Madison, Wisconsin, or contact us to see how we can assist you.
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