The hidden danger of potholes

As the seasons change, shifting temperatures take a toll on our roads the freezing and thawing of water creates cracks and potholes in the roads across Blue Bell.

But they are more than just a nuisance — potholes can be a serious danger to your vehicle and your safety on the road.

Tires/Wheels
Hitting a pothole at full speed can cause torn tread and irreparable holes in your tire, leaving you stuck with a flat tire on the side of the road. Potholes can also damage your wheels… and you can’t fix a bent rim.
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Alignment
The jar of driving over a pothole can throw off the alignment of your wheels. Misaligned wheels can result in uneven tire wear, increased risk of a flat tire, and extensive damage to your suspension and reduced miles per gallon. Having your car inspected right away after you hit a pothole can mean catching and fixing issues BEFORE they become costly repairs.

Shocks
Shocks keep your car stable on the road. The reason you don’t bounce down the road is the work of your shocks/struts. The impact from a pothole can put lots of pressure on the shocks. Damage to one means your vehicle can no longer maintain equal pressure on all four tires, leading to more extensive damage. Catching damage to your shocks early with an inspection can save you from further harm (and more expensive repairs), like uneven tire wear and reduced MPG.

Steering
Any one of the above issues can also result in damage to the steering system in your vehicle. Misaligned wheels or damaged shocks can make it extremely difficult to control your vehicle, putting you and your family at risk. Minor damage can snowball into major repairs so save yourself money, hassle, and stress by having a thorough inspection from certified technicians as soon as possible.

Potholes can cause immediate damage to your tires, wheels, and even the body of your vehicle but the far more dangerous threat is the damage you may not see or notice right away.

If you’ve hit a pothole, schedule a thorough inspection the auto repair experts at Motorcar Makeovers as soon as possible: call 215-699-8383.