KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Quite frankly, potholes stink. They cause damage to our cars, ruin our driving experience and seem to always be a pain.
This time of year, with heavy precipitation and fluctuating temperatures, is the worst for potholes. Stephanie Milani from AAA has provided us with some tips for you to keep potholes from ruining your car and your life.
What causes a pothole?
It certainly feels like potholes just come out of nowhere, but weather plays a huge role in the formation of new ones. When there is precipitation, the water seeps through the layers of the road.
The weather fluctuates from warm to cold and back so frequently, and the water in the road does as well. All of these quick changes cause a gap between the pavement and the ground beneath it, which ultimately makes the pavement sink from the weight of cars driving on it.
This past winter, we have seen a lot of precipitation and quick changes in temperatures. All of this fluctuation in the weather has caused an uptick in the creation of potholes in the road. So, if you’ve noticed your commute being a little bumpier, there is a reason.
How to prevent serious damage
While you may not be able to stop potholes from being formed, there are some things you can do to prevent serious damage to your vehicle.
When driving, be sure to look ahead and make an effort to check for potholes. You might know the big potholes on your normal commute, but not so much in new areas. Also, leave plenty of room between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. You may be able to safely avoid potholes by being extra aware of your surroundings.
If you cannot avoid hitting a pothole, then be sure to slow down. Reducing your speed can lessen the damage a pothole does to your vehicle’s tires, wheels and suspension.
Deep potholes can also be disguised by puddles. When you see a puddle in the road, slow down before driving through it. Always treat puddles as if they might be hiding potholes.
Looking out for your car
Potholes are your car’s worst nightmare. They can ruin your tires, wheels, shocks and struts, ball joints and suspensions. While most repairs are around $300, some can cost upwards of $1000.
To avoid some of this pain, it is a good idea to stay in-tune with your vehicle. You should be making a habit to check the inflation of your tires, and make sure they are at a proper pressure according to your vehicle’s user manual.
While peeping at your tires, be aware of the tread. Vehicles with worn tires are more likely to suffer from damage from pothole impact. Check that your tires have a deep tread groove, and if it is looking thin then it is likely time to start looking for new tires.
A pothole can also knock your tires out of alignment. If you notice your vehicle veering in one direction, then have the wheel alignment checked by a technician. Having a good suspension is also good for your vehicle when encountering potholes.
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In the future
When you come across new potholes, Tennessee Department of Transportation encourages you to report it to them. Reporting potholes allows for TDOT to know where to repair parts of the road.
It is always best to be aware of your surroundings and minimize distracted driving.
Several car manufacturers, internet companies and local governments are working endlessly to devise a solution to the dreaded pothole. In the meantime, you can use this information to lessen the damage potholes do to your car and mood.