Potholes can be quite a menace on the road, especially when they’re hit unexpectedly. When this happens, you’ll experience a quick shock or even spill your drinks—it’s never a fun time for anyone. However, it does more than just give you a fright because many of us know that even a seemingly minor impact can damage your car in unprecedented ways.
What Damages Can Potholes Cause?
When your car hits a pothole, the damage that your vehicle will sustain typically depends on how fast you were going and how deep the pothole was. Some parts of your auto are more susceptible to damage than others, and these include:
1 – The Tyres
As the components with direct contact on the road, the tyres are your car’s most vulnerable parts when it comes to pothole damage. You might notice apparent physical issues after impact, such as tread separation, sidewall bulges, or punctures. Uneven wear may also be a problem.
Hitting a pothole can cause sidewall bulges because the impact separates the tyre’s airtight liner from the sidewall. As air seeps into the tyre’s body, it forms a bubble that could burst at any time.
2 – The Wheels
Aside from the tyres, the wheels are also incredibly susceptible to pothole damage. They can bend, crack, or chip because of the impact, affecting the airtight seal between the wheels and tyres.
Wheel damage may not be the easiest to spot, but they’re crucial to remember because they can cause misalignment and can make your car inefficient. Dents and scratches on the rims aren’t readily apparent, but they can worsen over time. It’s best to contact your local alloy wheel repair services right away.
3 – The Undercarriage and Body
Vehicles with low ride heights are sleek-looking and are more aerodynamic than conventional ones, but their bodies and undercarriage are vulnerable to pothole damage. Potholes can scrape or dent low bumpers, side skirts, exhaust pipes, and other components underneath the car. Rust, holes, and leaks may occur and cause more issues in the car.
What to Do When You’ve Hit a Pothole
Once you’ve hit a pothole, find the nearest stop to check your vehicle for any signs of damage. These can include:
- Sidewall bulges
- Off-centre steering wheel
- Unusual noises and vibrations
- Dashboard warning light
Get your car to the shops immediately afterwards if you notice anything strange, and don’t ignore minor damages either. It would also help if you could report the pothole to authorities.
How to Avoid Pothole Damage
Potholes are always a pain to deal with, but there are some ways you can avoid their damages. Here are some tips to help you:
- Always stay alert and be mindful of any obstacles on a road including potholes and oncoming traffic.
- Ensure that your tyres are well-inflated so they can readily absorb impact, which can help reduce repair costs.
- Drive slowly over potholes if you cannot avoid them. Doing so will mitigate potential damage to your vehicle.
- Potholes often do not come alone; when you’ve encountered one, there may be others waiting.
Get in Touch with Local Alloy Wheel Repair Services
Potholes can cause various damages to your vehicle, such as in its tyres, wheels, suspension, and body. Knowing what to do after hitting one and how to mitigate their harm can save you hundreds of pounds a year, so keep this guide in mind as you stay careful on the road!
If you’re looking for alloy wheel repair services in Essex, UK, Wicked Rims has you covered. We’ll inspect your wheels and provide quality repair and refurbishment with our skills and state-of-the-art equipment. Contact us today!