What happens to your car when you hit a lot of potholes?

Hitting a pothole can cause bent wheel rims, internal tire damage, alignment problems, and shock and strut issues depending on the severity of the impact. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll puncture your tires or damage your vehicle, but if you have any concerns, get it inspected.

How do I protect my car from potholes?

How to Protect your Car this Pothole Season

  1. Avoid potholes if you can safely do so.
  2. Check your tire pressure.
  3. Slow down.
  4. Keep a firm grip on your steering wheel.
  5. Look out for puddles.
  6. Check for damage if you hit a pothole.
  7. Listen to your car.
  8. You hit a pothole and notice damage.

Can potholes mess up your car?

Here’s a no brainer: hitting a pothole can damage your vehicle. If your vehicle hits a deep, dreaded divot in the road, steering system misalignment to a full-on tire puncture or bent rims may follow. Cue the “gulp.” But whether the damage is obvious or not, the problem needs reversing.

How do you minimize damage caused by potholes?

Keep these seven tips in mind to help minimize vehicle damage:

  1. Slow down. The faster you’re driving when you hit a pothole, the worse the damage is likely to be.
  2. Give some space.
  3. Prepare for puddles.
  4. Hold tight.
  5. Don’t brake.
  6. Keep your tires full.
  7. Inspect new tires.

Is it better to drive fast or slow over potholes?

While it’s best to go over potholes slowly, you should avoid braking immediately before you hit one. This will likely cause your vehicle to nosedive right as you hit it, which can increase the amount of damage that can occur.

How do you tell if your suspension is damaged?

Here are signs your suspension is damaged.

  1. Super Bumpy Ride. If you feel as if you’re driving a vehicle with square wheels, your suspension could have some damage.
  2. Unstable Vehicle Body.
  3. Sinking Vehicle Frame.
  4. Uneven Tire Wear.
  5. Oil On Your Shocks.
  6. Bounce Test.

Is it better to go fast or slow over potholes?

How do potholes increase driving risk?

How do potholes increase driving risk? Because they can cause severe damage to tires, which can lead to tire failure. How can pedestrians become a hazard to a driver? The slope of a road is called its ___________________________.

How do I know if my car has pothole damage?

8 Signs of Pothole Damage

  1. Tire Bulge and Bubbles. Upon impact with a pothole, the inner tire liner can become damaged, resulting in a bulge.
  2. Bent Rims.
  3. Flat Tire.
  4. Vehicle Suspension.
  5. Shaking or Vibrating Steering Wheel.
  6. Fluid Leakage.
  7. Strange Exhaust Noises.
  8. Wheel Alignment.

What is the safest way to avoid a pothole?

  1. Check Tires. Frequently inspect your tires to ensure they are properly inflated and do not have significant wear.
  2. Inspect Suspension. Make certain struts, shock absorbers and other suspension parts are in good condition.
  3. Look Ahead. Stay alert and check the road ahead to avoid potholes.
  4. Slow Down.
  5. Beware of Puddles.

Is it better to hit a pothole fast or slow?

How fast should you go over a speed bump?

How fast should you drive over speed bumps? The answer is simple. Just go slow—about 3 MPH is ideal. It’s not any better for your vehicle to go over speed bumps at an angle, even if your vehicle happens to be lowered.