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Potholes can be extremely annoying, but they’re capable of doing much worse than making you spill coffee down your shirt. Even at moderate speeds, broken asphalt can damage your vehicle’s suspension, throw off your wheel alignment, and cause even more serious problems down the line. Below are some of the signs you might need auto repairs after hitting a pothole.

3 Common Signs of Pothole Damage

1. Damaged Tires & Rims

Your wheels take the brunt of the punishment from potholes, so check for obvious signs of damage. If your tire’s sidewalls are bulging or chunks of rubber are missing from the tread, you’ll likely need to have them replaced. Dented rims are another sure sign that your wheels have sustained some damage that could make them unsafe even if you don’t see anything wrong with the tire itself.

2. Your Steering Doesn’t Feel Right

auto repairsHitting a pothole hard enough can throw your wheels out of alignment, usually causing your car to pull to one side. Your steering wheel might also start vibrating, which could indicate a tie rod or other part of the steering system has been damaged. Any changes in how your car handles or feels should be checked out by an auto repair professional right away.

3. Unusual Exhaust Noises

Deep potholes can force the undercarriage to contact the ground, leading to damage to the exhaust system. Have any strange sounds inspected immediately. Left unaddressed, a damaged exhaust system will lower your car’s fuel efficiency. You may also smell gas due to fumes entering the cabin.

 

Whether you’ve hit a pothole or just need an oil change, you can count on the ASE-certified master technicians at Griff’s Auto Service. For over 30 years, they’ve been helping Rochester, NY, drivers get back on the road as safely and quickly as possible. Visit their website for a look at some of their services, follow their Twitter for more car care tips, or call (585)227-8700 to schedule your auto repairs today.

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