Winnipeg roads are no stranger to potholes, especially after the long winter months. Potholes can cause serious damage to your tires, wheels, suspension, and alignment. While it’s not always possible to avoid them entirely, there are protective steps you can take to minimize the risk of costly repairs. Let’s go over how you can protect your vehicle from pothole damage!
1. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Underinflated or overinflated tires are more susceptible to pothole damage, so it’s important to check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the manufacturer’s recommended levels. You can find this information on the inside of your driver’s side door or in your driver’s manual. Properly inflated tires absorb impacts better, reducing the risk of rim damage or blowouts.
2. Watch for Potholes and Drive Cautiously
Staying alert and scanning the road ahead can help you avoid hitting potholes head-on. If you see a pothole in your path and it’s safe to do so, try to steer around it. If avoidance isn’t possible, slow down before reaching it, and drive over it slowly. Make sure to not brake abruptly while driving over a pothole, as sudden braking can shift your vehicle weight forward and increase the impact on your front tires.
3. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you gives you more time to react if a pothole appears. If you’re following too closely, you may not see the pothole until it’s too late to avoid it.
4. Avoid Puddles When Possible
Puddles can disguise the true depth of a pothole. What looks like a small puddle could be a deep hole that can severely damage your vehicle. If you can’t gauge the depth of a puddle, it’s best to drive around it when safe.
5. Drive at a Moderate Speed
Higher speeds increase the impact when hitting a pothole, making the damage worse. Slowing down in areas prone to potholes, such as older roads or those with frequent freezing and thawing cycles, reduces the force of impact if you do hit one.
6. Get Regular Vehicle Inspections
Even if you think your vehicle is fine, hitting multiple potholes over time can gradually wear down your tires, suspension, and alignment. Regular inspections at Birchwood can catch minor issues before they turn into major repairs.
7. Check Your Suspension and Alignment
A strong suspension system helps absorb pothole impacts, reducing the damage to your vehicle. If your car starts pulling to one side, vibrating, or handling differently after hitting a pothole, have your alignment checked as soon as possible.
Read more: What to Do After Hitting a Pothole: Signs of Damage
Protect Your Vehicle with Birchwood’s Expert Service
Even with careful driving, potholes can still cause unexpected damage. If you suspect an issue with your tires, wheels, or alignment, Birchwood’s expert technicians are here to help! Schedule a service appointment today to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.
