5 easy ways to mitigate the risk of costly pothole damage

Potholes can become a costly and unwanted roadway headache for motorists as temperatures rise following cold and snowy winter weather.

Potholes form after snow or rain seeps into the soil below the road surface. When moisture freezes as temperatures drop, the ground expands and pushes up the pavement.

Once temperatures increase, the ground can return to a normal level, but the pavement stays raised, creating a gap between the pavement and the ground below it. As cars drive over this gap, the road surface cracks and falls into the hollow space, leading to a pothole.

A AAA survey focusing on 2020 found that 1 in 10 drivers sustained vehicle damage significant enough to warrant a repair after hitting a pothole. With an average cost of $600 per repair, damage caused by potholes cost drivers $26.5 billion in 2021 alone.

Some of the most common vehicle issues hitting a pothole can cause include damage to tires, wheels, suspension and steering, undercarriage damage and even body damage.

Here are five preventive methods that automotive experts recommend in order to minimize damage from potholes.

1. Keep tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure

If your tires don’t have the right amount of air, you’re much more likely to suffer serious damage if you hit a pothole. The air in your tires acts like a shock absorber between your tires and the rest of your vehicle.

Experts suggest keeping the tires inflated to the levels your vehicle manufacturer recommends. This information can usually be found on the inside of the driver’s doorjamb.

2. Make sure your suspension is in good shape

Your car’s suspension is your second line of defense against pothole damage, so check your struts and shocks. If they're worn out, your vehicle won’t be able to absorb pothole impacts.

Changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration, or uneven tire wear can indicate bad shocks or struts, according to AAA.

3. Maintain a safe following distance and watch out for puddles

Giving yourself enough time to react to the road ahead is key. This allows motorists to have more time to adjust speed or minimize impact. It's also crucial to avoid puddles, which may conceal deep potholes.

4. Slow down and keep a firm grip on the wheel

Sometimes, hitting a pothole is unavoidable. Maneuvering your car to avoid a pothole can be more dangerous than the pothole itself.

If you can’t avoid a pothole, it’s best to slow down to minimize impact and grip the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control. Braking while over a pothole could cause more damage to a car. If you do hit a serious pothole, pull off the road as soon as you can.

5. Know the signs of trouble

After hitting a pothole, it’s important to look for signs of damage immediately. Potholes can cause a wheel to fall out of alignment, which can cause it to pull left or right and also result in severe wear on the tires. Tires should be checked for severe cracks or bulges.

If any unusual vibrations or noises occur after hitting a pothole, the vehicle should be taken to a mechanic for further inspection. Motorists are encouraged to report potholes to their local municipality or state department of transportation to ensure that the road can be repaired in a timely manner.

For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.

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