Potholes are an annoyance for anyone who uses the roads, whether you're on two wheels, four wheels, or more. These develop when water seeps into small cracks in the road surface — usually caused by traffic. When temperatures drop, this trapped water freezes and expands. When it thaws, it shrinks again. This cycle makes those cracks bigger and weakens the road even further, allowing more water to seep underneath. As the road wears down more due to traffic flow, it eventually breaks apart enough to create a small hole that grows with every passing car.
Below are the problems that potholes can cause and what you can do about them:
Suspension Issues
Car suspension plays a crucial role in cushioning the impact when you hit a pothole. Those sudden jolts speed up the wear and tear on parts like bushings, arms, bearings, and trays.
In some situations, the damage to the car's suspension can be serious. This could lead to issues like leaking shock absorber fluid and decreased efficiency of various components, which ultimately puts the vehicle's stability at risk.
To avoid potholes, it's important to stick to the speed limits and practice safe driving habits. Depending on how fast you're going and how big the pothole is, hitting one could potentially wreck your suspension system. Plus, keeping up with regular maintenance helps all those parts work smoothly.
Wheel and Tire Wear
Your car's tires are directly in touch with the road, so they usually get damaged when you hit a pothole. When those nasty bumps cause severe jolts, they can lead to issues like blisters and cracks in the tire's structure. If that happens, replacing the tire ASAP is crucial because it could become wobbly and even deflate or burst if you keep driving on it for too long.
Wheels aren't off the hook, either. Hard impacts can bend them out of shape, leading to uneven spinning. This can seriously affect your stability and safety, especially when cruising at higher speeds.
Car Axle Problem
The main part of your car that suffers from potholes is the axle. This part connects the wheels to the rest of the vehicle and helps transfer energy from the engine.
When a wheel goes straight into a pothole, it takes a hit that gets passed on to the axle and the entire car. Since the axle is positioned underneath the vehicle, it's especially at risk for this kind of damage. So, it's essential to stay alert for any signs that your car's axle might need some repairs.
Misaligned Steering
Potholes can definitely throw off your car's steering wheel alignment. When you hit one, you might notice your ride pulling to one side or feeling shaky. That's a sign that your alignment needs some tweaking. What happens is that the angle of your wheels is damaged from the impact.
Steering can be tricky when this occurs because you'll find yourself constantly adjusting the wheel. If you have misalignment, it might even cause constant shaking of your steering wheel.
Steering Box Damage
Just like the wheels have axles, the steering box has one, too. This axle helps transmit the movement from the steering wheel to the wheels, making them turn. However, this part can be damaged by bumps and potholes in the road, and it might break as a result.
Car Accidents
What's even scarier than all those other issues mentioned is the chance of losing your grip on the steering wheel and veering into oncoming traffic because of potholes.
When you hit a deep hole, your wheel can lift off the ground momentarily. If that happens, your car might drop back down at a weird angle, which could lead to a crash.
Be cautious when driving to steer clear of potholes on the road. These crates can damage your vehicle and put your safety at risk. If you hit one, make sure to check your car for any damage. If you suspect a pothole has caused some issues, don't hesitate to contact Jay Hodge Ford of Morrilton. Book a service at our auto service center in Morrilton, AR, today.
