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Elhart Helpful Hints

How Do Potholes Damage Cars?
Potholes cause premature damage to suspension and steering components. Tires and rims can also be damaged by potholes. Shocks and struts take the biggest brunt of the damage to start with. They compress and expand using hydraulic oil to alleviate the effects of driving on uneven surfaces. The bump is transferred tot he vehicle; the extent of the bump travels from the tire and wheel directly to the shock absorber. Large potholes can cause the shock or strut to bottom out within itself. The shock is then transferred to the coil or leaf spring of the vehicle.

In addition to these suspension components, control arms, ball joint, tie rods, idler arms pitman arms, sway bar and sway bar links, center and drag links, wheel bearings and axle shafts are all susceptible to pothole damage. Because the steering and suspension components are compromised under duress, potholes are a leading contributor to a vehicle needing an alignment. Under- or over-inflated tires can be more easily damaged than one with proper inflation. Rims can dent or crack from severe pothole strikes. Long-term effects of damaged suspension or steering components can lead to premature tire wear and poor handling of the vehicle. In severe cases of pothole damage, even lower engine damage and undercarriage components such as the exhaust system can be compromised.

Avoiding Potholes
Leave enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This allows you to see the oncoming pothole before striking it. Be aware of other traffic or pedestrians on the roads before swerving to avoid a pothole. Lower your speed on pothole filled roads. More damage can be incurred to a vehicle striking potholes at higher speeds, including compromised handling of the vehicle. Water-filled potholes do not allow you to see how large they are until you strike them. Don't apply the brakes when driving over a pothole. This tilts the vehicle forward and places the amount of stress on the front suspension, which is the first part of the vehicle to strike the pothole.