As a driver, you know to be mindful of potholes in the road. However, it isn’t always possible to avoid these common hazards, and when you drive over them, they can damage your wheel rims, suspension, tires, and other critical auto parts. To help you care for your vehicle if you’ve driven over a pothole, here are some red flags to look for.

What Parts of My Car Can a Pothole Damage?

1. Wheels

It’s not unusual for a tire to blow out if it runs over a pothole. It can also create sidewall bubbles, which occur when a wheel strikes something at high speed and the tire and rim are pinched together, resulting in extensive damage to the inner liner and letting in air. If you spot these telltale bubbles on the rubber, visit an auto parts store to purchase a new tire.

2. Suspension

When your vehicle makes contact with a large pothole or several of them over time, the impact can hit your car’s suspension. You can usually tell there’s an issue if the vehicle pulls to one side or the steering wheel isn’t centered as you drive. The car may also vibrate and make noises, or simply feel different when you drive it. Suspensions contain many auto part components, including tires, bushings, joints, and shock absorbers, so prevent further damage by getting an inspection.

3. Transmission

Even the engine and transmission could be at risk if your car hits a pothole. Problems can occur if the bushings that support the engine and transmission strike the side of a deep pothole. The impact could cause these auto parts to reverberate and dislodge the bushings, which could leave your vehicle susceptible to more damage.

You don’t have to spend a small fortune to locate the auto parts you need to repair pothole damage. Turn to Blue Lick Truck & Van Parts, Inc. in Louisville, KY, a locally-owned salvage yard that takes pride in offering quality parts. They inspect their products before sale to ensure their safety, and carry everything from engines and transmissions to starters. Visit them online to learn more about their offerings, or call (502) 955-1599 to ask about their inventory.