How Pothole Damage Impacts Your Car

As summer is coming soon, the temperature is probably ping-ponging between cold and hot, and you start to see potholes on the roads again. If you have ever driven over one, you’ll know how the bump can disrupt your Leominster drive, but did you know that it can do more beyond your commute at that moment? Actually, it can damage your vehicle if you’re not careful and that will eventually make your future drives less enjoyable. Learn more about the different types of damage below with Ron Bouchard Chrysler Dodge RAM, your local one-stop shop for all things auto!

Pothole Damage to Car Suspension 

If you have recently driven over a pothole and you realize your vehicle’s starting to steer either to the right or the left, then there might be pothole damage to the car suspension. In other words, the pothole bent one or more suspension or steering components out of alignment. This will cause handling problems and uneven tire weariness. You can resolve this issue by getting your car’s alignment checked at a service center near Fitchburg!

Pothole Damage to Tire

While no one wants pothole damage to their car suspension, it’s actually not the worst-case scenario for your tires. If luck wasn’t on your side and the pothole collide into your tires with significant force, then the sudden shift of air inside the tire can cause the sidewall to blow out. Your tire could lose air and if your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), the light will immediately go on to alert. However, even if your tire is holding air, you’ll need to examine carefully for any bulges sticking out of the side. Bulges mean that there is internal damage, so you’ll need to get rid of the tire entirely and get a replacement.

Pothole Damage to Wheels 

Hitting a pothole during one of your commutes in the Gardner area can also result in damaged wheels with bends or cracks in the side where the rim meets the tire. Look closely and check if the wheel is bent as a bent wheel won’t be able to roll smoothly. The pothole damage to wheels doesn’t just stop at visible ones– it’s possible that the airtight seal between the tire and the wheel could be compromised. However, if you can see the damage clearly, then you’ll most likely have to replace the wheels. Not sure if there’s more damage besides the visible ones? Talk to one of our service technicians today!

Get Your Car Fixed at Ron Bouchard Chrysler Dodge RAM!

Accidents happen even if you try your best to look out and steer clear of any potholes on the road. If you suspect there’s pothole damage to your car, bring your car to Ron Bouchard Chrysler Dodge RAM and our technicians can diagnose and resolve the issue! Schedule an appointment online and be sure to check out our rotating specials, especially our summer special that is made specifically for cars that have hit a pothole. You can get a four-wheel alignment, tire rotation, and multi-point inspection all just for $106.95!