As you drive in Meridian, MS, you are likely to come across obstacles in the road now and then. You’ll often see potholes, which usually form due to water under the pavement that freezes and then expands the road.
Potholes are more than annoying to try to drive around. There are important reasons to avoid potholes. Doing so can spare your car from damage and wear and tear. You’ll also save money on repair costs and stay safer as you drive.
You should understand the reasons to avoid potholes and what the consequences can be of driving over them. Fortunately, help is available if your car suffers damage from these craters in the road. Bringing your vehicle to the service center of Honda of Meridian allows you to address even the most severe issues and get your car back in good working order.
The tires on your vehicle bear the brunt of poor road conditions. Potholes can be especially problematic for the tires. When you run over a pothole, the force of the contact or the jagged, rough edges of the pothole can damage the sidewalls of the tires. Within moments, air could start leaking out of the tire, leading to a blowout. If your tires have a blowout, you could lose control of the vehicle and crash into another car or object.
Similarly, the wheels can suffer harm. There can be cosmetic effects, such as cracks or scratches on the rims. The wheels could also bend or break, requiring you to get a new set or get misaligned, affecting the road handling and your control over the vehicle. Your car could need a wheel alignment if you hit a pothole.
There is a lot of force involved when you drive over a pothole. This is especially true on the highway when traveling at a high speed. The jolt can severely damage the shocks, causing a rough ride. There can also be damage to ball joints.
In addition, the steering can have issues, making it difficult to stay in the right lane or on the road. The suspension system could start to wear out quickly, making it necessary to pay for expensive repairs or component replacements.
If you hear odd sounds from your vehicle after hitting a pothole, bring it to a technician. Other signs of suspension damage include vibrations or pulling to one side of the road.
The exhaust system of your vehicle is critical. The exhaust pipe is underneath the car, making it vulnerable to damage if you hit a pothole. A frequent problem after running over a pothole is the exhaust pipe cracking or breaking. It’s possible that the pothole could pull it off the vehicle. Exhaust problems could cause the vehicle to lose power.
Keep an eye on the undercarriage if you hit a pothole. If you have a smaller Honda, the bumper could crack, become scratched, or break. Other exterior damage is possible and will require repairs.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they run over a pothole is to ignore any damage or vehicle problems. Although the damage may appear small or insignificant, it can get worse over time. Suspension issues can make your vehicle undrivable or unsafe. Tire damage can make you lose control of the vehicle and increase the risk of crashes. These repair costs can be expensive, but they will only increase the longer you put them off.
Make sure to bring your car to a technician right away if you hit a pothole, especially if you notice any signs of damage.
For tire service, work on the suspension, or to address any exhaust system needs, visit us at Honda of Meridian. Our trained technicians can diagnose problems that come from running over potholes. Come to our service department in Meridian, MS, so your vehicle can once again be safe and smooth to drive.
