Once you drive into a pothole, consider inspecting it as soon as you get home to make sure your car is free from wear and tear. | ' : ''}}{{lede.tags.join(', ')}}. The content in thisarticleis for informational purposes only. Tire rims are made to withstand a lot of abuse, but a deep pothole can still cause serious damage. Follow Boston.com on Instagram (Opens in a New Tab), Follow Boston.com on Twitter (Opens in a New Tab), Like Boston.com on Facebook (Opens in a New Tab), Billerica condo residents tormented by stray golf balls demand action. A bent rim, for example, can cause your tire to lose air pressure, leading to a flat tire. Schedule a complete vehicle inspection at Firestone Complete Auto Care today. Check for Scrapes and Leaks Speaking of damage where you might not see it, a deep enough pothole can also scrape or impact other components located in the undercarriage. Your car, on the other hand, might be calling for help, literally. Looking to save? If you hit a pothole or suspect pothole damage occurredhowever minor it seemsbring your car in as soon as possible for inspection. Email(Your email address will not be published). For more information on what cookies we use and how to manage these cookies please visit our, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010. Dont wait until small issues turn into expensive repairs. This is a much better option than sliding through the pothole with the wheels locked. If you notice trouble steering or controlling your car, it is important to get your shocks and struts repaired immediately. Directions According to a study released in March 2022 by AAA, it found that $26.5 billion was spent by US drivers on car repairs due to pothole damage in 2021. The best way to assess and correct the problem is by taking your car to a mechanic for a full inspection. It is. 2. The entire. That could lead to a costly tire repair, but more importantly, it could compromise your safety while driving. Driving is always paired with certain hazards of the road, but one of the most frustrating is potholes. Note the name of the road and the location of the pothole using landmarks if you can. 1. If the wheels are your car are not aligned, it can lead to poor gas mileage, uneven treads on your tires, and other safety issues. Damage to the exhaust system can lead to long-term issues with your engine if left unaddressed. Others, it may cost you big time. Rhode Island The most complaints at 24.3 yearly tweets. Schedule an appointment for vehicle inspection and pothole repair at your nearby Tires Plus today! Pay attention if your car pulls to one side when youre attempting to drive straight, or if the steering wheel is off-center when youre moving straight. The thing is, pothole damage is an every day road hazard and a tricky one at that, since potholes' presence may not be obvious. The undercarriage can easily scrape the road surface when your car dips down into a pothole, which can cause fluid leaks and invite rust in places you cant even see. Generally speaking, if your car has one of these 2 symptoms it is more than likely a broken axle. We'll take it from there. If your steering wheel is vibrating or shaking, or if it seems like its off-center, its time to have your wheel alignment checked. When the temperature falls below freezing, the water turns to ice and expands, forcing the pavement to rise. FAQ, mp.homepageFooterClicks({ destination: '/#howitworks' })"> The sooner you can get off the road safely, the better! This staggering number is an increase from the last study that AAA did in 2016 when it found that $15 billion was spent on repairs due to potholes in the previous five years. If the repairs your car needs is below the deductible amount that your collision insurance has, you probably shouldnt make a claim. If one of your tire rims has a sizeable dent, there's a good chance that your tire has been damaged, as well. Problems like these are especially common when the potholes you drive into are quite large. We're always here to help! Furthermore, if one of the wheels on the axle is damaged or has worn out, it can also cause the car to pull to one side. ? The exhaust is one example look for new dents and listen for odd new sounds coming from that area if you go over a deep pothole. If you hear a scraping sound when you hit a pothole, that could signal damage to the exhaust pipe or muffler. If a wheel is bent, it wont roll smoothly. With the suspension compressed, it wont be able to absorb the shock your wheels get from hitting the pothole. Beat the heat, save fuel, and drive happy with these simple strategies for using A/C wisely. This is a common sign of pothole damage that has a simple remedy. That is, until the deed is done. When your vehicle experiences the sudden jolt from a pothole run-in, timely inspection is required. { Michael Pollick Last Modified Date: December 10, 2022 As roadways freeze and thaw, water erodes some of the dirt beneath them. Have you seen any of these signs of pothole damage on your vehicle? If you see a pothole incoming, dont slam on the brakes. (Your email address will not be published). Please confirm the make, year, model and trim of the vehicle you want to purchase for: The vehicle you have selected is not compatible with aftermarket TPMS Sensors. April 12, 2018 One thing drivers in the Boston area deal with each spring is a potentially destructive pothole season. Sound like a bummer? Ice can destroy a road in the same way it breaks your windshield. Using a trained eye, theyll catch problems from pothole damage and help repair your ride, pronto. What are your rights? So what should you do if you hit a pothole? In extreme temperatures, these items could explode, leak, catch fire, spoil and generally wreak havoc on your vehicle's interior. If you can catch signs of pothole damage promptly, you can get it inspected by a mechanic to determine the extent of the repairs before turning to your insurer. In other pothole news, Autoblog compiled a list of the 50 states that experienced the most Google searches for pothole repair and complaints over the past 18 years. You dont want to be going too fast, however, as youre all the more likely to damage your car. For more information on what cookies we use and how to manage these cookies please visit our, manufacturers recommended tire air pressure, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010, Suspension damage, including broken components. You might be able to see this damage on the outside of the wheel, but Cestodio cautioned that theres still the inside edge, which you cant see. Big time. If the axle is bent, it can cause the wheels to be out of alignment, which can result in the car pulling to one side. These signs of pothole damage can be annoying and inconvenient, but let them run their course and youll end up with even worse damage to your car. Otherwise, you could be up the creek with costlier damage and stress to other, budget-breaking vehicle parts and systems. Yes, it can! Find out why this is a myth, how you could be damaging your engine, and what to do instead! It can damage your tyre's sidewall or belts. Undercarriage: Hitting a pothole can dent or puncture the undercarriage of your ride. Become An Installer, mp.homepageFooterClicks({ destination: '/terms' })"> If you think there is something wrong with your car but are unable to spot the issue, enlist a professional auto repair service to take a closer look at the problem. A quick vehicle inspection and repair can get you back on the road with peace of mind. Want to avoid pothole problems entirely? Vehicle damage due to potholes is costly to US drivers. Please contact your hosting provider to confirm your origin IP and then make sure the correct IP is listed for your A record in your Cloudflare DNS Settings page. Ask them to put your car on the machine, and then take a look at the report, says Cox. Littleton, Sometimes however, spotting this damage can be quite challenging as it may not be visible. Vehicle damage due to potholes is costly to US drivers. We've got your answers right here. The majority of rims on the road today are made with aluminum, which can actually bend if hit with enough force. Just give us a ring. Hitting a pothole can cause damage to your tires inner liner which allows air to escape. These are essential parts of your car that help to control how the vehicle handles and rides. Collision coverage counts as the damage caused from your car colliding with an object. Safely take photos of the pothole and measure its width and depth. Available on iPhone and Android. the knowledge and passion to help. Potholes can damage your suspension, and mess . There aren't many cases of successful claims made against councils," he said. While bent rims are more of a cosmetic issue than a safety issue, they could point towards more unseen pothole damage. Yikes! If the pothole was on an interstate, youll need to contact the states department of transportation to fix the issue. Exhaust System: Are weird noises coming from your exhaust system? | Tires Plus, How to Find the Right Tire Pressure for Your Car | Tires Plus. Potholes begin when water seeps through cracks in the road. If your car is pulling to one side, it could be a sign of damage to the cars axle. Your vehicle should not be pulling right or left when you are driving straight. Potholes can cause severe damage to your car's wheels, including bent rims, cracked wheels, or even a dislodged wheel. Goodyear Auto Service Store Worcester manager Peter Cestodio sees a lot of pothole damage this time of year, and has some suggestions about what to do when a pothole catches you off guard. Bulge in the Sidewall Bulges in the side walls of your tire are never a good thing. However, there is most likely more pothole damage to your car that is left unseen. Does your tire sidewall have an abnormal bulge or bubble in it? When you hit a pothole, you can damage the inner liner of the tire. Its not only tire and wheel damage you have to watch for when you hit a pothole. #244190 By continuing to browse our website, you agree to use these cookies. These tips can help not only your car but your wallet. Additional troubleshooting information here. In some cases, you might come out unscathed. During a complete vehicle inspection, our technicians will look for woes of all kinds. You can save time in the store by pre-booking your maintenance service appointment online today. Contact, mp.homepageFooterClicks({ destination: '/blog' })"> And if the pothole damage comes from a deep depression, hit at high speed? Learn more aboutpremium steering and suspension parts, find your car part, or find where to buy your auto parttoday. Here are some tire care tips to help you get the most out of your tires & info on our free inspection. We'll take it from there. If the pothole is too deep, it can sometimes even cause the rim of the metal wheel to bend and completely distort the shape of it. Hitting the pothole at a slower speed may help you avoid damage to your vehicle. Your steering system may be off-center, which is another sign of wheel misalignment. These divots in the road can cause damage to your car that is not always visually apparent. Worse yet, some potholes arent very visible, and others appear out of nowhere. 104.250.134.50 But what recourse do you have if you hit a pothole and it causes damage to your vehicle? If you suspect that your vehicle has sustained damage after hitting a pothole, take it to your trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection. When you hit a pothole, the first thing to bear the brunt is the tyre. Uh-oh. Check for damage Even hitting a pothole at low speed could harm your car, but at high speed there could be much more damage. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Gather evidence to support your case. CO 80122-2708 Change Store. "Think of it as being like a balloon," says Cox. You can save time in the store by pre-booking your maintenance service appointment online today. Around this time of year, pitted asphalt and hidden holes in the road make it difficult to avoid pothole damage. Careers, mp.homepageFooterClicks({ destination: '/installer' })"> vehicle? Read on today! * LT tires come in 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 Ply. If yes, it could be a sign that they are about to burst or already popped. Find out why your car heater blows cold air and get tips for staying warm on your way to get the heater fixed at Tires Plus Total Car Care! Add ERS to your policy for peace of mind while you drive. Bulges in the side walls of your tire are never a good thing. How to Tell If a Pothole Damaged Your Car Potholes can cause significant damage to your steering, suspension, alignment, tires, and more. Youll often find a pothole reporting option in the contact tab on the citys website. Problems like these are especially common when the potholes you drive into are quite large. If youre unsure whether its a state or county issue, you can always report the issue to both, just to be safe. Driving in fog isn't like driving in snow or rain. Whenever its possible to safely avoid broken pavement, do. IL 61614-5513 The more freeze/thaw cycles a pothole endures, the larger the pothole can become. One way to reduce the risk of damage to your car from potholes is to make sure your tyres are in good condition. Thats what we do. Does your tire sidewall have an abnormal bulge or bubble in it? Here Are The 2 Main Culprits. Look for any bulges sticking out of the side. Your vehicle was manufactured with more than one possible tire size. Your vehicle is sold with more than one possible tire size during production. You might see the damage to your rims if you hit a pothole particularly hard. When you spot a pothole in the road, do your best to safely steer around the obstruction. Abnormal vibration or noise while driving. Potholes are most commonly caused when water enters the ground beneath the road pavement and erodes the roadbed beneath, according to the Summit County, Ohio. If water finds its way beneath the road pavement, it will freeze and expand during the winter. Firestone Complete Auto Care technicians are experts in automotive maintenance, vehicle repairs and tire replacement.