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Potholes are unavoidable obstacles on the road, even in Florissant, MO. Fluctuations in temperature cause groundwater to freeze and thaw, affecting road quality and causing potholes to form.
A pothole may be small or large, but it poses a safety hazard and can cause serious vehicle damage. Whenever possible, avoid potholes, even if your vehicle can roll over them. Potholes generally do not reach a depth of more than several inches. However, when they are large enough, they can damage your car’s suspension, undercarriage, and wheels.
Drivers usually perceive road holes as minor inconveniences. However, it is always best to avoid potholes altogether. Your Chevrolet vehicle may suffer the following damages:
Tire and Wheel Damage
Usually, the tires suffer the most damage when you drive over potholes. Because potholes have rough edges, the tire tread can get worn down or disintegrate. The sidewalls of your tires can bulge out or be punctured by potholes, resulting in flat tires. You should steer around potholes on the road to avoid damaging your tires or wheels.
Problems With Suspension
Potholes can damage your car’s suspension in extreme circumstances, shortening the lifespan of shock absorbers and struts. Control arms may also get bent, negatively affecting your Chevy’s handling and stability. You want to avoid these problems because fixing them can be costly.
Problems With the Exhaust System
Large potholes can damage your car’s undercarriage. They can also cause your exhaust system to scrape against the road, resulting in increased emissions, rattling noises, and reduced fuel economy. Deep potholes can scrape and puncture pipes, causing harmful fumes to leak into the cabin.
Incorrectly Aligned Bumpers
An often-overlooked part of your vehicle is the bumper. When your car quickly drives over a pothole, your bumper absorbs the shock. The impact may dislodge the bumper completely. If you hit a massive pothole, it’s a good idea to check if parts have been loosened and need reinstallation.
Issues With Wheel Alignment
It is also possible for your car’s wheels to be knocked out of alignment after hitting a large pothole. It is ideal to have all four wheels pointing in the same direction. A misaligned wheel will cause your car to pull to one side. There may be difficulty controlling the vehicle and uneven tire wear.
Issues With the Undercarriage
A large pothole can also cause your car to bottom out. This can significantly damage your car’s undercarriage. Parts like the oil pan, suspension components, and fuel tanks can sustain damage when you frequently drive over potholes.
Driving on unfamiliar roads and in darker conditions may make it difficult to avoid potholes altogether. Still, it’s not impossible. Driving safely will help you in any situation and make potholes easier to navigate around.
Maintain a sensible speed, allowing the vehicle in front enough space. By slowing down, you’ll have plenty of time to react when you see a pothole. A pothole increases your risk of losing control of your vehicle. To maintain control, grip your steering wheel firmly when you hit a pothole.
Driving carefully might not be enough when potholes are common in your area. To prevent damage, ensure your Chevrolet vehicle can handle rough terrain.
Ensure that your tires are in good condition: It is always a good idea to check your tires before and after traveling. A worn-out tire or one with bulging side walls will also have trouble coping with potholes. With proper tire maintenance, you can protect your car from potholes before you hit one. Johnny Londoff Chevrolet can inspect your vehicle if it makes loud noises, rolls unevenly, or has a bulge or dent.
Maintain proper tire inflation: Potholes will damage a tire if it is underinflated or overinflated. Proper tire inflation can prevent flat tires and bent wheels. If you don’t know what inflation level your vehicle needs, consult your owner’s manual.
Consider buying a tall vehicle: If your Chevrolet has more ground clearance, you will be less likely to damage it when it hits potholes. The likelihood of sustaining damage after hitting a pothole is lower for vehicles with added height or off-road tires. When you live in an area with many potholes, investing in models with plenty of clearance is advisable. A 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, for instance, has 8.0 inches of ground clearance.
If your vehicle is damaged by a pothole, contact us at Johnny Londoff Chevrolet. Our service department is dedicated to providing honest service to drivers in Florissant, MO, and the surrounding area. Our expert mechanics will even explain the extent of the damage and give you tips on how to deal with pothole damage.