Whether you’re driving to work or just cruising on the weekend, hitting a pothole can be hard on a vehicle. In fact, the sudden motion can throw the suspension system out of alignment and puncture the tires. To learn how to avoid pothole damage while driving, use the following safety tips.

3 Driving Safety Tips to Avoid Pothole Damage

1. Keep a Safe Distance

When you were practicing to get your license, you may have been told to keep two car lengths between your front bumper and the rear of the vehicle ahead. Along with preventing fender benders, this tip can also save the tires from sinking into a pothole. If the car in front of you doesn’t see the pothole, you’ll have time to witness it hit the depression and avoid it. 

2. Slow Down

You have an even better chance of avoiding tire and suspension damage if you spot the pothole yourself. If you see one approaching, don’t swerve into neighboring lanes and risk a collision. Instead, slow down gradually and with purpose. The slower you’re traveling when you hit a pothole, the less harm it will inflict on the car. 

3. Keep Calm & Hold On

There is a chance you could lose control of the car when you hit a pothole, and the sudden tire movement could send you in a dangerous direction. To prevent more vehicle damage, hold onto the steering wheel as you come in contact with the broken asphalt. Stay calm and avoid slamming on the brakes; coming to a complete stop instead of rolling through the hole could cause additional tire damage.

If you recently ran into a pothole and damaged a vehicle, you may need to replace the tires or other essential components. Luckily, Northwest Auto Parts in Anchorage, AK, offers auto parts that are under 200,000 miles, so you know they’ll last. They’ve been serving drivers in the area since 1981, and they proudly recycle 99% of the components in the vehicles that come through their salvage yard. To learn more about their facility, visit the website or call (800) 770-6531.