You’re driving down the street and boom - you feel your car dip down into a massive pothole. During this time of year, pitted asphalt and hidden potholes are sprinkled along the road. Pothole damage may not be noticeable right away but can wreak havoc on your vehicle if it’s not addressed quickly. Below are popular signs that your vehicle may need repair:
1. The steering wheel feels unusual or “off.”
Chances are you’ve been driving your vehicle for a while, so you know when something feels different. If the steering wheel is vibrating while driving, it may be time to have your alignment checked. A dip in a pothole can cause damage to your steering component or wheel misalignment.
2. Noises are coming from your exhaust.
Damage to the exhaust system isn’t noticeable by the untrained eye, but you can hear it. Damage to your exhaust system can result in long-term damage to your engine. If your exhaust is making a noise you’ve never heard before, it’s smart to bring it in for an inspection.
3. There’s damage to your rims or tires.
A flat tire or dent in your rim is a surefire way to indicate that the pothole you ran over was the culprit. Pothole damage may not be as noticeable as a flat tire, but sometimes, you can notice a subtle sign such as a bulge or bubble on the outside of your tire. Any bubbles can indicate that the inner lining of your tire has been damaged, making you more susceptible to a blowout.
4. Fluid is leaking from under your vehicle.
If the pothole was deep, your car could impact the road’s surface and cause damage to the undercarriage of your vehicle. In severe cases, a scrape to the undercarriage of your car can result in leaks and rust.
5. A once smooth drive is now jerky.
If your car once drove smoothly but is now jerking so hard that it’s spilling your morning coffee – it could signify pothole damage. Any bouncing or rocking side to side should not be ignored. Potholes can also damage your suspension, and decrease the safety of your drive.
When it comes to pothole damage, there’s no need to risk your safety. Stop into a qualified tire technician to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Don’t sit on a small repair until it turns into an expensive repair, if you have any suspension that there’s damage, seek professional automotive help.