Sneaky Potholes: 5 Ways To Reduce The Damage To Your Vehicle

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Potholes are probably one of the sneakiest road hazards out there. Sometimes you can avoid them because you see them coming, but there are times when you see it a split second before you hit it. These potholes are simply there to ruin your day, and that's exactly what they will do. It doesn't take much for the sudden jolt and hard hit to result in a punctured or blown tire. Potholes will always be around, but you can reduce the damage that they do to your vehicle by following these five tips:

1. Pay Close Attention to Road Hazards.

Prevention is always key, and a good way to prevent damage to your vehicle from potholes in the road is by paying attention. Try to avoid the potholes when you can by swerving. Keep a safe distance from you and the vehicle in front of you so that you can spot the potholes in enough time to safely avoid them. Keep an eye out for water-filled potholes because you never know how deep they really are until it's simply too late.

2. Remember to Slow Down.

Another way to prevent damage is to simply slow down. This is especially true when you're driving down a road that you know is filled with potholes. Even if you hit a pothole, driving slowly will help to limit the damage that is done to your vehicle.

3. Don't Slam on Your Brakes.

When you see a pothole at the very last second and you know you're going to hit it, avoid slamming on your brakes. This is the last thing that you want to do because it will cause the vehicle to tilt forward. This puts more strain on your front suspension, which is going to be the first part of your car to hit the pothole.

4. Pull Over to Check Your Vehicle.

If you strike a pothole, don't hesitate to quickly pull over and inspect your car for visible damage. A flat tire is possible, if you hit the pothole in the right spot and hard enough. You should also keep an eye on your vehicle as your driving it for any vibrations or pulling because these could mean that your vehicle needs to undergo alignment or that your steering system has been damaged.

5. Get Your Vehicle Inspected.

If you hit a pothole and suspect damage – even minimal damage, it is important to head to an auto repair services shop to have your vehicle inspected. Even if damage has been done, this will prevent further damage from occurring. Otherwise, you may run into a host of problems that will turn into costly repairs in the future.

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24 February 2015

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