Why are potholes so bad for your car?
You’re bound to hit one eventually, which can seriously damage your car. Potholes are road imperfections that occur when soil compacted beneath pavement becomes weakened or displaced. 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.
How much does it cost to fix a pothole in a car?
Potholes are notorious for wreaking havoc on cars: American drivers pay approximately $3 billion, or an average cost of $300 each, annually to fix car damage caused by potholes. Worse, many motorists encounter pothole problems every winter and spring, making pothole-related repairs an almost annual necessity.
Is it OK to roll through a pothole?
The good news is that most potholes aren’t big or deep enough to pose a threat to your car. With correctly inflated tires and aligned suspension, chances are it will roll right through them. However, as seasons change and potholes grow, you need to stay alert and avoid them as best you can.
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.
What happens to your car when you hit a pothole?
Three common issues cause by potholes include: 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.
What causes a pot hole in the road?
A pothole is a naturally-occurring cavity or pit in a roadway, caused by erosion of the asphalt. Potholes range from shallow to deep, small to large, and can wreak all kinds of havoc on your vehicle – especially your tires.
Where to check tire pressure after hitting a pothole?
To minimize damage, make sure your tires are always properly inflated to optimum PSI—pound-force per square inch, a unit of pressure—levels for your vehicle. You can usually find optimum tire pressure for your vehicle on the driver’s side door jamb (hint: you must open the door) or inside your owner’s manual.
Potholes are notorious for wreaking havoc on cars: American drivers pay approximately $3 billion, or an average cost of $300 each, annually to fix car damage caused by potholes. Worse, many motorists encounter pothole problems every winter and spring, making pothole-related repairs an almost annual necessity.