Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash
This blog was originally written on 8/23/21, and has been updated on 4/8/24.
Few things are worse than driving right into a pothole–and that goes for you and your vehicle. Though potholes are widely out of our control, and sometimes going through them is the only way to stay safe on the road (darn you, hectic traffic!), there are a few things you can do to ensure that potholes aren’t end-all-be-all’s for your vehicle. In this month's blog, we will be giving you some advice on how to avoid potholes or obstructions on the road and how to be safe when driving.
How Do Potholes Happen?
First off, how do these pesky potholes happen? Well, it's all about the weather, my friend. When it rains or snows, water seeps into the cracks in the road. Then, when temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands, causing the pavement to crack and break apart. Add in some heavy traffic rolling over those weakened spots, and voila! You've got yourself a pothole.
What Can I Do About Potholes?
Now, what can you do about these road craters? Unfortunately, not a whole lot when it comes to prevention. But you can report them to your local authorities so they can get patched up before they wreak havoc on more cars.
What’s The Safest Way To Avoid A Pothole?
When it comes to avoiding potholes, safety's the name of the game. Keep your eyes peeled for any craters in the road ahead and try to steer clear if you can do so safely. But remember, don't swerve wildly into other lanes or slam on the brakes at the last second. That could cause an accident of its own.
Make sure to follow all speed limits, as hitting a pothole at high speeds makes the damage much worse.
What Happens If I Hit A Pothole?
So, what happens if you do hit a pothole? Well, it depends on how hard you hit it and how fast you were going. Best-case scenario, you might just feel a jolt and a bit of a shake. But worst-case scenario, you could end up with some serious damage to your tires, wheels, suspension, or even your alignment.
That's why it's always a good idea to have your car checked out by a professional if you've had a run-in with a pothole. Better safe than sorry, right?
Other Driving Safety Tips
When you are driving on the road, many countless distractions can lead you to an accident. Here are some of the steps or precautions you should take to drive safely:
- Avoid blind spots: Large vehicles can be the most common blind spots. For example, staying directly behind or next to a tractor-trailer can be dangerous.
- Take caution when merging: Merging into the highway is often challenging, as vehicles are moving fast, and there is not always a lot of room to join the road.
- Avoid distractions: You can't control what other drivers do, but you can be prepared for anything if you are focused on the road.
- Slow down your vehicle if possible: If you see that a significant or dangerous pitfall or pothole is coming, slow down your car if it's possible to avoid it from losing control.
This isn’t an all inclusive list, but does encapsulate some of the most important things to remember!
Give Us A Visit!
If your vehicle needs auto body repair and have questions for our team or your Kemper Direct / Unitrin Insurance representative, contact CARSTAR Robert's Collision & Repair! We invite you to schedule an appointment. Safe travels!