Potholes are one of the most dangerous hazards on the road. In addition to potentially creating an accident, they also cause significant damage to your vehicle. Here is a rundown of the risks potholes represent and how you can avoid them as well as a trip to an auto repair specialist. 

How Does a Pothole Damage Your Car?

Your tires and rims are usually the most vulnerable to damage, as they are the parts that make direct contact with the pothole. Your rim may become scratched or dented while a tire can quickly become punctured or have the sidewall bulge. You should seek out an auto repair specialist after you hit a pothole.

Another typical issue is your wheel alignment becoming off-kilter, which can affect your steering. You should be on alert if anything seems unusual when you move the wheel or if you notice a shaking that wasn’t there before. It is also worth looking underneath your car right afterward and for the next few days. If the undercarriage gets punctured, it can result in various fluid leaking from your vehicle.

How Do Safely Avoid Potholes?

One of the first tenets of avoiding potholes is avoiding tailgating other cars. That means leaving a few car lengths in between you and the next vehicle. As a result, you’ll have more time to spot potholes and steer away from them. Another task you can do as you scan the road is to watch out for possible potholes in hiding. For instance, large puddles often mask a rupture in the street. 

If a pothole sneaks up on you and you cannot avoid it, keep a firm handle on the steering wheel while slowing down. It will lead to less wild and damaging contact. As a final tip, have an auto repair shop ensure that your tire pressure meets the recommendation provided by your owner’s manual. Properly inflated tires are less likely to sustain damage when you run over a pothole. 

If you do happen to hit a pothole, head to a nearby auto repair specialist like A 1 Auto Service in Lorain, OH. Serving the community for over four decades, the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified auto mechanic provides a wide range of services including wheel alignments and tire swaps. You can make an appointment with the experienced crew by calling (440) 245-0076. Learn more about the auto shop by visiting their website.