Tip Tuesday: Potholes

Warmer weather is finally here! This may be getting you in the mood for sitting on the beach, relaxing in the park, or anything else that will get you outside. It is also a good time to have your vehicle checked for any tire, wheel, or suspension damage all those New Jersey potholes may have caused. If you are planning a trip to the shore, an outing, or vacation, you definitely want your car riding smoothly.

Did you know potholes are caused by water seeping into cracks in the roadway. Over time, water trickles through the cracks of the top layer into the base layer. Once the colder weather comes, all the water that is trapped below in the base layer will freeze and thaw. During these freezing and thawing processes the layer will lift and crack more due to the growing ice and from weight of the cars above. As more and more cars drive over the weakened areas of the road, the potholes form; the top layer caves into the base layer.

How fast and how hard you drive into a pothole is an important factor of the amount of damage you may incur. The depth of the pothole also plays a role in the extent of damage that could happen.

A significant jolt into a pothole can cause your vehicle’s wheel to bend. This in turn can cause a poor seal between the tire and the wheel which results in air leakage and flat tires. The impact can also knock off wheel weights causing your tire to become off balance. Also as a result of a hard hit, your tire may develop a bulge (impact break) in the sidewall or an unrepairable puncture in which case your tire will need to be replaced.

Repeatedly driving into potholes increases wear and tear of your suspension components which affects overall performance. Over time you may start to notice that your vehicle handles differently, rides a bit bouncy, or pulls to one side. You may also experience poor steering, vibrations, or clunky noises coming from the front end. All these symptoms indicate  damage to your suspension system which in turn causes an increase in uneven tire wear. As a result of any suspension damage your vehicle will require repair as well as an alignment.

If your vehicle drives into a pothole deep enough and hits hard enough, you may experience damage to the undercarriage and break other mechanical components as well.

Now that warmer weather is here, before you set out, consider making an appointment for us to inspect your vehicle. We will make sure you are good to go on those long awaited road trips. You can stop by or make an appointment by calling 609-655-2886. Wishing you safe and happy motoring.