Why You Should Avoid Potholes in Corpus Christi, TX

Why You Should Avoid Potholes?

Potholes on the road are a big problem for drivers. They can mess up your vehicle, make accidents more likely, wear out your tires faster, and just make driving a pain. Let's explore how you can steer clear of these troublemakers.

Potholes happen when water gets into cracks in the road, freezes, and weakens the pavement. When you drive over one, the weight of your car can make the pavement cave in, creating a hole. These holes have sharp edges, and hitting one at high speed could mess up your tires, suspension, and alignment. Moreover, potholes might mess with your paint job or dent your car's body. If you run into a pothole, it's wise to get your car checked by a mechanic to ensure there's no hidden damage. Of course, potholes are irritating, but that does not mean they have to ruin your day. If you watch out for them and drive carefully, you can avoid the costly damage they can cause.

Potholes Can Lead to Accidents and Injuries

When a car runs over a pothole, it might cause the tire to burst or the wheel to get out of alignment. In extreme situations, hitting potholes can even make the driver lose control of the car. Consequently, potholes rank high among the reasons for road accidents and injuries. Besides wrecking stuff, potholes can also cause serious physical harm. If your car hits a pothole while driving fast, it could result in an injury, such as a concussion or a broken bone. Even if you manage to escape an accident, hitting a pothole can still shake your body violently and result in whiplash or other injuries. That's why it's crucial to stay alert for potholes and cautiously drive if you come across one.

Potholes Can Be Difficult to See

Sometimes, it is difficult to notice the potholes, especially at night or when the weather is terrible. That increases the risk as you will not be able to notice them in time to avoid them. To ensure that your ride does not fall victim to these road dangers, it is advisable that you check on the health of your tires more often. When properly inflated, your tires are in a better position not to be damaged by a pothole. And, of course, it is always better to avoid getting near these holes as much as possible to avoid any possible accident. However, let's be real: even if you are as prepared as a hawk, you cannot escape them. If you ever accidentally bump into one, immediately take your car for a check-up at the nearest garage.

How to Avoid Potholes?

At one point or another, every driver has encountered potholes on the road, which can be very frustrating. Not only do they make the car ride bumpy and uncomfortable, but they also damage the tires and suspension system. It would be a tempting thought to swerve and avoid the bump and the consequent discomfort, but the thing is, doing so would lead to getting a flat tire. The better way is to slow down and avoid the pothole by steering the car slightly away from it. This can reduce the effects and extend the harm that could be done. Of course, the real trick is to avoid potholes altogether by simply driving safely and avoiding any obstacles on the road.

Check Your Car for Damage

When you hit a pothole while driving, checking your car for damages is crucial. Although you may not see any noticeable damages, a pothole can still affect your car's tires, wheels, and suspension. After you have restarted the car and begun to drive, it is essential to be on the lookout for abnormal shaking or sounds coming from the car. In case of any problems, you should pull over and call a towing service. Do not proceed to drive with a damaged wheel or suspension system. This could leave you in a risky position. Thus, after falling into a pothole, ensure your car is in good shape before driving again.

Visit Mike Shaw Toyota for Repairs

You should drive carefully to avoid the threats presented by potholes on the roads. These annoying craters can become a big problem for your car and threaten your safety, so do not rush on the road. If you are unfortunate enough to encounter one, you should always check your car for damages. If you think a pothole has damaged your car, schedule an appointment with Mike Shaw Toyota in Corpus Christi, TX.