What happens to the suspension in a pothole?
Front struts are the main suspension components which absorb impact from potholes. When your car runs into the large potholes, the strut may not be able to take the force. The strut’s hardened shaft may bend, causing alignment issues, steering concerns, and an ill-tempered suspension.
Can a car be damaged by a pothole?
If you drive a low or sport car, the possibility your car body is broken or twisted is really high. the lower a car is to the ground, the better it handles, but cars that sacrifice ride height in pursuit of sportiness are more likely to be damaged by potholes. Potholes can scratch your car and leave scratches on your car paint.
What happens if you hit a pothole at excessive speed?
The slower you hit a pothole, the further your wheel will sink into the hole before hitting the other side. That said, hitting a pothole at excessive speeds an be dangerous if it causes you to lose control of the vehicle. Three common issues cause by potholes include:
What happens to your tires when you hit a pothole?
Tire Damage – Hitting a pothole can flat out pop your tire, but it can also take a chunk out of your tire. A damaged tire can make you more susceptible to blowout on the road, which can be dangerous at high speeds.
In the battle between cars and potholes, unfortunately the pothole usually wins. From damaged tires to alignment issues, these roadway nuisances can do a number on your vehicle and your pocketbook. Let’s take a closer look at the areas of your car commonly damaged by potholes. Your car can give you signs that it has suffered pothole damage.
Are there a lot of potholes in California?
However, potholes aren’t only a problem in states that get cold, snowy winters. Even in sunny climates like California and Arizona, over 50% of roads are rated as being in poor condition and are often riddled with potholes.
Why are there so many potholes on the road?
Roads are particularly likely to form potholes in winter and spring months, when ice and lots of running water disrupt the base layers under the pavement. As cars drive over these weak spots, the pavement deforms, cracks, and chips away, leaving a hole in the road surface.
Can a blown out tire be repaired in a pothole?
These can happen because potholes often have a hard edge that compresses the tire against the wheel on impact, slicing the rubber or snapping the belts that hold a tire together. Driving on a blown out tire isn’t safe, but you may be able to repair it. However, a tire with a sidewall bubble or separated tread needs to be replaced right away.