Anyone who has driven a motor vehicle on the road will know about potholes and how they can play havoc with your suspension and wheels, leaving you with an unsightly bill for repairs.
What’s less well known, however, is that bouncing over craters in the road can also cause extensive damage to your exhaust system and even the glasswork of your vehicle.
That’s according to the experts at Select Car Leasing, who have put together six ways potholes can harm your vehicle and what you can do to avoid them altogether.
Window damage
The physical impact when you drive over a pothole will place stress on the glasswork of your vehicle, which could cause cracks. If the force is harsh enough, or you already have damage to the glass, it could even shatter.
A good tactic to prevent this issue is to ensure your tyres are inflated appropriately and not too firmly. This will provide a good level of shock absorption for times when you simply can’t avoid driving over a pothole.
Tyre damage
Potholes and tyres don’t get on so well. The impact often leads to punctures or even blowouts as your vehicle drives over the hole, so structural damage can be expected.
To prevent this, inspect your tyres regularly for any signs of bulges, cuts or uneven wear. Additionally, keep them inflated appropriately and maintain a safe driving speed. Be vigilant of craters on the road ahead, allowing you to steer clear wherever possible.
Suspension issues
Components of your vehicle’s suspension system, such as the shocks, struts, springs, control arms and ball joints, can all suffer damage as a consequence of hitting a pothole.
This can lead to poor handling, uneven tyre wear and generally worse ride quality. So, to prevent this, slow down over potholes to minimise the impact and regularly inspect your suspension components. If you notice anything unusual, have it checked out by a professional.
Wheel misalignment
The force of impact with a pothole can knock your wheels out of alignment, which can result in uneven tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency and compromised stability.
To prevent wheel misalignment, drive cautiously over potholes to minimise the impact. Schedule regular vehicle checks, especially after hitting a significantly noticeable crater, to ensure your wheels are exactly where they should be.
Exhaust system damage
The pipes, mufflers or catalytic converters underneath our vehicles are susceptible to damage from potholes. They could become loose or develop cracks, leading to increased noise levels, weaker engine performance and potential leaks of harmful gases.
So, exercise caution over potholes and if you do suspect any damage to your exhaust system, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Undercarriage damage
Like your exhaust system, potholes can strike the other vulnerable components on the undercarriage of your vehicle. The oil pan, transmission and fuel tank are a few examples of what could be at risk of dents and cracks.
To avoid undercarriage damage, maintain a safe speed and slow down when you do encounter a pothole. Regularly inspecting the undercarriage will help to address an issue promptly and prevent further complications.
Image credit: Gabriel Garcia Marengo / Unsplash
