Potholes? Steer Clear of Them!

The Winter Toll on Roads

Winter's fluctuating temperatures, combined with moisture and road salt, wreak havoc on America's highways. The further north you travel, the more pronounced the road damage becomes. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, 43% of public roadways in the U.S. are in poor or mediocre condition, with potholes being a significant contributor (ASCE, 2021).

The Formation of Potholes

Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the road surface. As temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, causing the pavement to crack further. When the ice melts, it leaves gaps beneath the surface, which collapse under the weight of vehicles, creating potholes.

Immediate and Long-term Damage

Encountering a pothole can lead to immediate and long-term vehicle damage. The most common issues include:

• Suspension Damage: Shocks, struts, and other suspension components can be damaged, leading to a rough ride and poor handling.
• Tire Damage: Potholes can cause tire bulges, blisters, or even blowouts.
• Alignment Issues: Hitting a pothole can knock your wheels out of alignment, causing uneven tire wear and steering problems.

Recognizing Pothole Damage

The Car Care Council offers valuable advice on identifying and addressing pothole damage:

Signs of Suspension and Steering Damage

• Loss of Control: If your vehicle sways during routine turns, bottoms out on city streets, or bounces excessively on rough roads, your steering and suspension systems may be compromised.
• Pulling to One Side: If your car pulls to one side instead of maintaining a straight path, it could indicate an alignment issue.

Tire and Rim Damage

• Low Tire Pressure: Check for low tire pressure, bulges, or blisters on the sidewalls, and dents in the rim. These issues should be addressed immediately, as tires are crucial for safe driving.

Professional Inspection

"Every driver knows what it feels like to hit a pothole. What they don’t know is if their vehicle has been damaged in the process. If you’ve hit a pothole, it’s worth having a professional technician check out the car and make the necessary repairs to ensure safety and reliability," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council.

Preventive Measures

While it's impossible to avoid all potholes, you can take steps to minimize the risk:

• Stay Alert: Keep an eye on the road ahead and avoid distractions.
• Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Properly inflated tires can better absorb the impact of potholes.
• Slow Down: Reducing speed can lessen the impact when you can't avoid a pothole.

Interesting Statistics

• Economic Impact: Pothole damage costs U.S. drivers approximately $3 billion annually in vehicle repairs (AAA, 2016).
• Frequency: The average American driver hits a pothole about once every 20 miles (TRIP, 2018).

Conclusion

Potholes are more than just a nuisance; they can cause significant damage to your vehicle and pose safety risks. By staying vigilant and taking preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering these road hazards. If you do hit a pothole, it's essential to have your vehicle inspected by a professional to ensure it remains safe and reliable.

For more information on road conditions and vehicle maintenance, visit the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Car Care Council.

Sources:

• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). (2021). Report Card for America's Infrastructure.
• AAA. (2016). Pothole Damage Costs U.S. Drivers $3 Billion Annually.
• TRIP. (2018). Bumpy Roads Ahead: America's Roughest Rides and Strategies to Make our Roads Smoother.