Why You Should Avoid Potholes in Salem, VA

Dangers of Driving Over Potholes

Potholes are a nuisance for all drivers. They’re often caused by rapid weather changes that can cause a pothole to appear on your street or route to work seemingly overnight.Temperature fluctuations cause road materials to shift, heave, and separate. As a result, potholes can range from tiny indentations to gaping canyons that swallow entire vehicles.

Potholes aren’t just annoying. When large enough, they can damage your car's undercarriage, suspension, and wheels.. Hence, even if it's challenging to avoid potholes, steering around them is essential to preserving your vehicle's condition.

Effects of Potholes on Your Vehicle

Often, drivers consider these small holes as momentary inconveniences. However, potholes should be avoided whenever possible. Not only is it aggravating and teeth-jarring, but hitting a pothole can also damage your car. Among the possible types of damage are:

Your vehicle's tires and wheels are most affected when driving over potholes. Bigger and deeper potholes have uneven and rugged edges that can puncture tires, wear down tire treads, or scratch wheels. Moreover, a hard slam could force the wheels out of alignment, resulting in poor performance.

Potholes can damage the underside of low-riding vehicles or even vehicles with high ground-clearance if it is deep enough. The damage may involve bumpers and side skirts, ranging from paint damage to cracks or snaps where they attach to the vehicle. Cosmetic damage may not interfere with the vehicle's functionality, but it can still be costly.

Your vehicle's exhaust system has pipes and other low-hanging components that are particularly vulnerable to potholes. Potholes can scrape or puncture exhaust pipes or even break loose, causing a loss of power and an increase in undercarriage noise.

Most suspension systems are designed to handle bumps, but only the toughest ones can withstand the sudden, high impact of hitting a pothole at high speed. Regular jolts can aggravate the wear and performance loss rate, while a single massive impact can damage shocks, break ball joints, or even worse - bend an axle! After hitting a pothole, your vehicle might exhibit strange noises and vibrations or pull to one side. These signs may indicate suspension damage caused by poor road conditions.

Potholes can also affect the steering wheel. When your car hits a pothole, it often rolls onto its side, affecting how you steer. Keep that in mind when driving on roads with potholes. It can help you prevent accidents caused by the minor loss of control.

One function of bumpers is to protect your vehicle from damage; they absorb shocks upon impact. However, after hitting a pothole, the bumper can become dislodged and loose, and repairs may be needed.

If you hit a large pothole, your vehicle's wheels may be knocked out of alignment. You may notice your car pulling to one side when you have misaligned wheels. Your vehicle may be difficult to drive, and your tires might wear unevenly.

The Best Way to Prevent Pothole Damage

In areas with pothole-ridden roads, being cautious may not be enough. Here are some other tips that might be helpful:

• Always check your tires. Every time you travel, make sure your tires are in good condition. Our service team at Berglund Ford Salem is on hand to help you with any problems with your vehicle, such as loud noises, uneven wheels, or bulges or dents in your tires. You should also ensure that your tires are inflated properly. The right tire inflation can prevent your tires from flattening or your wheels from becoming bent. Your owner's manual or door jamb sticker will tell you what level of inflation your vehicle needs.
• Make your vehicle "taller." A higher ground clearance can prevent undercarriage damage caused by potholes. Optional packages and accessories can add more ground clearance or protection to your vehicle. The most common off-road package includes off-road tires and underbody protectors to improve your vehicle's ability to handle rough terrain. If you live in an area with many potholes, you can invest in models with plenty of clearance. The 2024 Ford Bronco, for example, has a ground clearance of 8.4 inches.

Get Reliable Service for Pothole Damage

If you have any concerns about the safety of your vehicle after hitting a pothole, contact the team of Berglund Ford Salem for assistance. Our auto service center in Salem, VA, is ready to restore your Ford to its original condition. Book auto service today.