Potholes are a nuisance at any time of year, but during winter, they’re more so. With Nebraska temperatures hitting the low teens, the combination of fragile asphalt and icy conditions results in gaping holes frequently opening up on highways and roads. Potholes not only create unsafe driving conditions as drivers swerve to avoid them but also cause serious damage to your car if you hit one. Have you experienced a pothole mishap this year? Here are three areas an auto repair shop should inspect for hidden damage.

What Car Parts Are Affected by Potholes?

1. Tires & Wheels

Tires and wheels are the most common casualties of hitting a pothole. However, damage doesn’t tend to appear until after the event. Look out for bulges in the sidewall or tread separation on the tire because it could lead to blowouts.

Constant low tire pressure, no matter how many times you put air in, could mean a slow puncture. Cracks in the rims weaken a wheel’s structure, meaning it could break apart altogether.

2. Steering

If you hit a pothole at force—or if you encounter the same pothole repeatedly—you can knock your steering out of alignment. If your car starts to pull to one side or feels like it’s more cumbersome to drive, have an auto repair shop take a look.

Wheel alignment is a quick task for a specialist to fix, but there could be a more serious issue: a bent car frame. You can still get a car frame repaired, but it is a problem that will get more dangerous—and expensive—with time.

3. Undercarriage 

If your car is a sports model or you’ve modified it to sit lower to the ground, potholes are an even more significant problem. Even standard cars suffer severe knocks and dents to the undercarriage if a pothole is deep enough.

Bumpers and front grilles can also be torn or broken if you hit a pothole at the right angle and speed. If it’s safe to do so, avoid the hole by skirting it or positioning your car to pass over it. If it’s impossible to avoid, slow down as much as you can to minimize the impact.

Dirk’s Auto Repair shop has serviced the vehicles of Lincoln, NE, since 1995. The team are some of the most experienced mechanics in Lancaster County and will run a full diagnostic on your vehicle to ensure they meet all your maintenance needs. Whether you’re having transmission issues, need a tire replacement, or simply want an expert to look over your car, the team aims to have you in and out as quickly as possible. Call them today on (402) 466-6010 or go online to schedule your car maintenance or service.