A pothole in the pavement of a road or driveway can cause serious damage to vehicles. This is because driving over this uneven surface places sudden strain on the underside of a car. If you own a commercial space, realizing the consequences of potholes for customers will help you understand why repaving is sometimes necessary to prevent issues. Here’s a guide to how these fissures affect drivers. 

How Potholes Damage Vehicles

1. Flat Tires

No matter how deep the pothole on the pavement is, it can damage the tires. Dipping into it can cause a puncture, which will flatten the tire and require a patch or replacement to prevent air from filtering out. A deep pothole may even bend or break the aluminum rim of the wheel, which can also perforate a tire and slowly drain its contents. If a tire is damaged, you’ll notice that its sidewalls are bulging or cut.

2. Misalignment

After hitting a pothole, a car may suddenly feel like it’s veering to the left or the right. The steering wheel may feel unsteady, and you may notice that the vehicle vibrates when you drive. This is because hitting the hole may shift the angle of the wheels, which will affect steering capabilities.

3. Suspension

As the tire comes into contact with the pothole, the force of the impact will transfer to the car’s suspension, located on the underside of the vehicle. This will decrease its ability to stop or make turns, which can be dangerous on the road. You can usually tell there’s a problem if the car seems to lurch downward when you brake.

Don’t allow potholes to cause issues for drivers in your property. Turn to the professionals at Quality Asphalt & Seal Coating in Thomasville, NC. Serving customers throughout the Piedmont Triad for over 25 years, they take pride in caring for your pavement, whether on a driveway or a parking lot. They’ll repave damaged surfaces and provide sealcoating to protect it from further wear. Visit them online to find out more about their services, or call (336) 476-9384 to schedule an appointment.