The Pothole Problem

It’s Pothole Season.

If you haven’t noticed them yet, chances are you will! Potholes are popping up everywhere and they are more than just a pain. They can be dangerous to your car and to you.

Potholes form when moisture collects in small holes and cracks in the road surface. As temperatures rise and fall, the moisture expands and contracts due to freezing and thawing - breaking up the pavement. The weight of traffic contributes to the ugly result: potholes.

To aid motorists in protecting their vehicles from pothole damage, AAA's "Car Doctor," John Paul, recommends the following:

Look Ahead – Make a point of checking the road ahead for potholes. An alert driver may have time to avoid potholes. Look well ahead of the front of the car so you have time to react if needed. Before swerving to avoid a pothole, check surrounding traffic to ensure this will not cause a collision or endanger nearby pedestrians or cyclists.

Slow Down – If a pothole cannot be avoided, reduce speed safely being sure to check the rearview mirror before any abrupt braking. Just before you are rolling into the pothole, release the brake. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds or with the suspension and brakes locked will greatly increases the chance of damage to tires, wheels and suspension components.

Beware of Puddles – A puddle of water can disguise a deep pothole. Use care when driving through puddles and treat them as though they may be hiding potholes.

Oops, too late, now what?

Check Alignment – Hitting a pothole can knock a car's wheels out of alignment and affect the steering. If a vehicle pulls to the left of right, have the wheel alignment checked by a qualified technician. At the same time the technician can perform a thorough inspection of the steering and suspension components.

Recognize Noises/Vibrations – A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel, and bend or even break suspension components. Any new or unusual noises or vibrations that appear after hitting a pothole should be inspected immediately by a certified technician.

Inspect Tires – The tire is the most important connection between your vehicle and the road. The tires should be inspected for damage, cut and bruises. Tires should be inspected for both sufficient tread and proper inflation. To check the tread depth, insert a nickel into the tread groove with Jefferson's head upside down. The tread should cover part of Jefferson's head. If it doesn't, then it's time to start shopping for new tires. When checking tire pressures, ensure they are inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended levels. This number can be found in the owner's manual or on a sticker on the driver's door jamb.

Editor's Note: This press release was provided by AAA.