Hitting a pothole is more than an unpleasant surprise for you and anyone else in your vehicle. These depressions, which form when water trapped in cracks in the road undergoes the seasonal freezing and thawing cycle, can cause significant damage to your car that may be hard to spot initially. Learn about what to look out for so you can schedule repairs with an auto repair shop as soon as any issues arise.

How Do Potholes Lead to Auto Repairs?

1. Bent, Cracked Wheels

The impact of a pothole can bend or crack the metal interior of the wheels, which can damage the rubber tire and prevent the wheel from rolling evenly. Potholes can also knock the wheels out of alignment, causing the car to pull to one side and making it difficult to control the steering wheel.

2. Suspension Problems

Suspension systems are responsible for keeping the tires aligned and use shocks to absorb impacts, which creates a smooth ride. Driving over a pothole can upset the suspension system, resulting in broken shocks that decrease ride comfort.

3. Exhaust System & Bumper Damage

If a pothole causes the underside of your car to touch the road, it could scrape the exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, or muffler. This results in dents or holes that can leak toxic fumes into the car cabin and increase harmful emission output. If the vehicle’s bumper if it’s low enough, it can also be affected. While most pothole-related bumper damage is cosmetic, the force of the impact can cause a loose bumper to fall off.

4. Tire Issues

Tires can wear unevenly if they become misaligned from potholes, which increases the risk of blowouts. Potholes can also rip holes in tires, especially those with worn treads, and inflict other damage such as sidewall bubbles and separated treads. Bubbles or bulges occur when the rubber tire gets caught between the metal wheel and the edge of the depression, which weakens internal plies. Tread separations result from sidewall blisters as well as uneven wear, sidewall cuts, and too much vibration when you drive. 

If you notice problems with your car after driving over a pothole, take it to Safe Auto Service. This auto repair shop serves Meriden, Middletown, Cheshire, Berlin, and Durham, CT, providing wheel alignment, suspension, shock, and strut services, and exhaust repairs. Call (203) 237-4311 to schedule service, or visit the auto repair shop online for more information.