The Best Ways to Keep Potholes From Destroying Your Car

Driving in the late winter and early spring can be brutal on your car, especially if you live in an area with freezing and thawing temperatures, thanks to the rapid proliferation of potholes. Potholes are the result of trapped moisture that expands and cracks pavement, which is further broken down by traffic—and thanks to harsh seasonal conditions, cities may not repair this damage before it has an opportunity to wreak havoc on your vehicle.

Unfortunately, you may have to play defense against winter potholes to avoid costly repairs to your steering and suspension as well as broken wheel rims and blown-out tires.

Monitor your tire pressure and wear

You should regularly inspect your tires for wear, including testing tread depth. Keeping your tires properly inflated according to manufacturer-recommended levels will also mitigate pothole damage. Most vehicles have monitoring systems that alert you if the pressure is dropping or dips below a certain level, but you should check all four tires once a month during the winter (because pressure drops more rapidly in cold weather). Your vehicle's alignment and suspension should also be inspected by a professional.

Drive slower

You may not be able to avoid every pothole, but slowing down (within a safe speed) and keeping your eyes on the road ahead will give you time to respond quickly to any hazards you encounter. Otherwise, you may end up swerving unexpectedly, which can endanger other cars as well as cyclists and pedestrians. In general, driving more slowly lowers the risk of damage to your wheels and suspension. Drive with extreme caution through puddles—these may actually be potholes.

Drive straighter

Again, don't swerve to avoid a pothole. If you can center it underneath your car without leaving your lane, do so with caution. Otherwise, it's best to drive straight over the pothole, slowly, as the damage risk to your tire sidewall is greater if you swerve through it. Ease off the brakes—don't slam them—just before you reach the hole so your wheels can roll gently through. You can also alert other cars to the pothole by tapping your brakes.

Stop and inspect the impact

If you hit a pothole hard, don't ignore it. Find a safe place to park and look for damage to your tire and wheel (front and rear). Pay attention to any shaking, vibrating, or pulling as you drive, and keep an eye on tire pressure, as air loss may occur as a slow leak rather than a blowout. Uneven tire wear can also be a sign of additional damage. If in doubt, have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic.

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