Why You Should Avoid Potholes in Rocky Mount, VA

Why You Should Avoid Potholes

Potholes pop up when water gets into tiny cracks in the road. Water freezes and expands when it gets cold, or soil erosion can happen in warmer months. This creates empty spaces under the surface of the road. Over time, as cars keep driving over these weak spots, they eventually give way – and that's how you get a pothole.

You should avoid potholes whenever possible when you're out on the road. But sometimes, you can't avoid them. If you hit one, check your car for any potential damage. As soon as it's safe, pull over and take a look at the following critical areas of your vehicle.

When you hit a pothole, your tires usually take the biggest hit. Damage can range from a tiny chip in the rubber to a full-on blowout. If it's a blowout, you'll know right away. Blowouts tend to make a loud bang and can mess up your driving. But just because your tire didn't blow doesn't mean you're in the clear. It's best to lift each tire off the ground with a jack to check your tires thoroughly. This way, you can inspect every side closely. Look for bulges, tread separation, tears, or flat spots. If you see anything unusual, keeping your car off the road is safest until you can fix or replace that tire.

Another part of your vehicle where things can go wrong when you hit a pothole is with your wheels. Whether you've got alloys or not, giving them a visual check-up is a good idea. Look for cracks or signs that the wheel might be bent or dented, especially where the rim connects with the tire. Damage to the wheel can break the airtight seal and lead to a total tire failure or even a blowout. You might need to repair or replace the wheel if you find any issues. It's best to keep your ride off the road until a professional gives it the all-clear.

Hitting a pothole can damage your exhaust system, especially if your ride has been lowered. A hole in your exhaust doesn't just mean less power; it can also lead to your car puffing out more toxic gasses than usual, which can be harmful to you and others. If you think something's off, visit our service center today.

Your shocks are crucial in keeping your ride smooth when you hit bumps or potholes. But you might encounter some issues if even one of those four shocks malfunctions. Just like when your wheels are misaligned, faulty shocks can cause bigger headaches down the line, like uneven tire wear and decreased fuel efficiency.

Here are a few signs to look out for that will let you know if your shocks are broken.

• Abnormal Swaying: If your car starts to sway during regular turns or feels like it's sinking back when you step on the gas, it could point to problems with your suspension and shock absorption.
• Bumpier Ride Experience: If you feel every bump in the road way too much, that's a clear sign that something's not right.

If you start to feel like your car's handling is off – like the steering feels loose or pulling to one side – there's a good chance that some parts of your suspension or steering might have gotten bent or damaged from hitting a pothole. It could also mean problems with the alignment of certain components.

Ignoring these issues can lead to uneven tire wear over time. Moreover, your car's steering or suspension may create a serious safety risk. If you find out these parts are damaged and need to be replaced, our service center in Rocky Mount, VA, can help you order the necessary parts and have them installed properly.

Visit Midpoint Chevrolet GMC for Repairs

When it comes to potholes, preventing damage is way better than dealing with it later. This may sound like a cliché, but it's true. So, keep an eye on the road ahead and try to avoid those pesky potholes whenever possible. If you know certain roads are rough, looking for a different route might be smart.

If you're unsure about a pothole's impact on your car, it's a good idea to get it checked out. Overlooking pothole damage could increase the risk of a serious accident later on, which could be dangerous. You can bring your vehicle to Midpoint Chevrolet GMC in Rocky Mount, VA, whenever you think it needs a thorough inspection, or contact us today to schedule an appointment.