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The Dangers of Potholes: How to Protect Your Car This Spring
josh • February 25, 2025
The Dangers of Potholes: How to Protect Your Car This Spring
As winter fades and spring arrives in Colorado, so do the dreaded potholes. Months of freezing and thawing cycles take a toll on our roads, leaving behind deep craters that can wreak havoc on your vehicle. From bent rims to misaligned suspensions, potholes cause thousands of dollars in damage every year. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your car and avoiding costly repairs.
How Potholes Form
Potholes develop due to a combination of moisture, temperature changes, and vehicle traffic. When water seeps into small cracks in the pavement and freezes, it expands, pushing the pavement upward. As temperatures rise, the ice melts, leaving behind gaps beneath the surface. When vehicles pass over these weakened areas, the pavement collapses, creating a pothole.
Common Types of Pothole Damage
Even a single encounter with a pothole can lead to serious problems, including:
1. Tire Damage
- Potholes can cause sidewall bulges, tread separation, or even blowouts.
- Repeated impacts weaken the tire structure, increasing the risk of a flat.
2. Wheel and Rim Damage
- Deep potholes can bend or crack alloy rims, leading to air leaks and poor handling.
- Steel wheels can become dented, making it difficult to maintain proper tire pressure.
3. Suspension and Alignment Issues
- Hitting a pothole can throw off your alignment, causing your car to pull to one side.
- Shocks and struts absorb the impact, but repeated hits can weaken them, leading to a rougher ride.
4. Undercarriage and Exhaust Damage
- Low-riding vehicles are especially vulnerable to scrapes and dents in the undercarriage.
- Potholes can loosen exhaust components, leading to rattling noises or leaks.
How to Avoid Pothole Damage
1. Stay Alert and Watch the Road
- Scan ahead for potholes, especially after snowmelt or heavy rains.
- Drive defensively in areas prone to potholes, such as intersections and older roads.
2. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
- Avoid tailgating so you can spot potholes before it's too late.
- If the vehicle in front of you swerves, be prepared for a pothole ahead.
3. Slow Down and Approach with Caution
- Hitting a pothole at high speeds increases the risk of severe damage.
- If you must drive over a pothole, slow down but avoid braking directly over it, as this can cause more impact damage.
4. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
- Underinflated tires absorb more shock, increasing the risk of wheel damage.
- Overinflated tires are more rigid, making them prone to blowouts. Check your owner's manual for the correct tire pressure.
5. Get Your Suspension and Alignment Checked
- If you notice your car pulling to one side, excessive vibration, or unusual noises after hitting a pothole, have your alignment and suspension inspected.
- Regular maintenance helps catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
What to Do If You Hit a Pothole
- Pull over safely and check for visible damage, such as a flat tire or leaking fluids.
- Listen for unusual noises or vibrations while driving.
- Monitor steering and handling—if your car starts pulling to one side, you may need an alignment.
- Visit a trusted mechanic to inspect for hidden damage before it leads to bigger issues.
Need Pothole Damage Repair? Legacy Automotive Can Help!
If you’ve recently hit a pothole and suspect damage to your tires, wheels, or suspension, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. At Legacy Automotive, our experienced technicians can diagnose and repair pothole-related damage, ensuring your vehicle stays safe on the road.
Call us today or schedule an appointment to keep your car in top shape this spring!
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Colorado Winters As winter approaches in Colorado, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is ready to handle the harsh conditions. Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures can take a toll on your car, but with proper preparation, you can stay safe and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Here’s how to winterize your vehicle for Colorado’s unpredictable winters. 1. Check Your Battery Cold temperatures can significantly reduce your battery’s power, making it harder to start your engine. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s in good condition, and replace it if necessary. Clean any corrosion from the terminals and ensure all connections are tight. 2. Inspect Your Tires Traction is key when driving on icy and snowy roads. Check your tire tread depth—if it’s below 4/32 of an inch, consider replacing your tires. Investing in winter tires designed for icy conditions can provide better grip and improve your safety. Also, make sure your tire pressure is at the recommended level, as it can drop in cold weather. 3. Check Your Fluids Antifreeze : Ensure your coolant is at the right mixture to prevent freezing. Oil : Consider using a winter-grade oil that flows better in lower temperatures. Washer Fluid : Use a winter-specific washer fluid that won’t freeze in cold temperatures. 4. Inspect Your Brakes Your braking system is critical in winter driving conditions. Have your brakes inspected to ensure they’re in good working order, and replace worn brake pads if needed. 5. Test Your Heater and Defroster A functioning heater keeps you comfortable, and a working defroster is essential for maintaining visibility. Test both before the first snowfall and have any issues repaired promptly. 6. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car Prepare for unexpected situations by keeping a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Include: A blanket or extra warm clothing Ice scraper and snow brush Flashlight and extra batteries Jumper cables Sand or kitty litter for traction First-aid kit Non-perishable snacks and bottled water Phone charger 7. Check Your Lights and Wipers Shorter days and snowy conditions mean you’ll rely more on your headlights. Ensure all exterior lights are working and replace any burned-out bulbs. Install winter-rated windshield wipers and top off your washer fluid to maintain visibility. 8. Keep Your Gas Tank at Least Half Full A full tank can prevent your fuel lines from freezing and ensure you have enough gas in case of an emergency. Plus, extra weight can help improve traction. 9. Know Your Vehicle’s Winter Features Many modern vehicles come equipped with traction control, ABS, and all-wheel drive. Understand how these systems work to maximize their effectiveness in slippery conditions. 10. Schedule a Winter Maintenance Check at Legacy Automotive The best way to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready is to have it inspected by a professional. At Legacy Automotive, we offer comprehensive winter maintenance services, including battery testing, tire checks, brake inspections, and fluid top-offs. Schedule an appointment today and drive with confidence this winter. Stay safe on the roads and enjoy a worry-free winter with a properly maintained vehicle!
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