Pothole Damage and Your Wheels

Learn About Pothole Damage Prevention in Calgary, Canada

Pothole damage to vehicle wheels is a serious problem that can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving. At Tire Pirates, we’ve seen the effects of potholes on vehicles and want to offer expert advice to minimize and address the damage. Drawing on industry insights and our experience, this blog will guide you in tackling pothole issues effectively. Want to learn about pothole damage prevention in Calgary, CA? Read on to learn more!

Do Potholes Damage Vehicle Wheels?

Potholes form when water seeps through cracks in the road surface and freezes, expanding and breaking the asphalt or concrete apart. Over time, the continuous passing of vehicles makes these holes larger, worsening their damaging potential. When you hit a pothole, they can damage your vehicle wheels. Discover some of the ways potholes can damage your vehicle wheels:

• Tire Damage: Potholes can damage your tires in various issues, such as punctures caused by sharp objects. Your tires can also get bulges resulting from hitting potholes, and general wear diminishes tread depth over time.

• Wheel Rim Damage: Wheel rim damage by potholes includes bent, cracked, or broken rims. This damage can occur from collisions with curbs or significant potholes, impacting vehicle performance and safety.

• Alignment Issues: Poor alignment can lead to uneven tire wear, affecting the vehicle’s handling and overall safety. Regular checks are essential to prevent these issues after hitting a pothole.

• Suspension Damage: This involves damage to key components like shock absorbers, struts, and linkages that can affect the vehicle’s stability and comfort. Such damage often results from continuous driving over rough surfaces or through deep potholes.

How Can I Prevent Wheel-Related Damage via Pothole?

While it’s not completely preventable, you can take several proactive steps to protect your vehicle from potholes. At Tire Pirates, we want our customer’s tires to last as long as possible without reducing their efficiency. Explore ways to prevent pothole-related tire and wheel issues:

• Maintain Proper Tire Inflation: Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Properly inflated tires provide a better cushion against potholes.

• Reduce Speed on Rough Roads: Slowing down allows you more time to avoid potholes or cross them at a speed that minimizes damage if they cannot be avoided.

• Keep a Safe Distance: Maintaining a good space between your vehicle and the one ahead gives you a better view of the road surface, helping you spot and steer clear of potholes.

• Avoid Sudden Swerving: Quickly darting around potholes can put you at risk of losing control or colliding with nearby vehicles. If you can’t safely avoid a pothole, it’s sometimes safer to slow down as much as possible and gently drive through it.

• Watch for Water-Filled Potholes: Water in potholes can hide their depth, making them more hazardous. Approach them with caution, as they might be deeper than they appear.

How Do You Fix Damage From Potholes?

Pothole damage can sometimes be inevitable. If you find yourself with wheel damage following an unfortunate pothole encounter, taking immediate and appropriate action to mitigate the issue is essential. Consider the following steps to fix a damage from a pothole:

• Inspect for Damage: Carefully examine your tires for any visible signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or punctures. Pay close attention to your driving experience post-encounter. New vibrations or unusual noises while driving could signal wheel damage or alignment issues that need immediate attention.

• Check Wheel Alignment: A pothole hit can significantly knock your vehicle’s alignment off, leading to uneven tire wear and potentially dangerous driving conditions. Poor alignment compromises your safety and can lead to more significant, costly problems down the road. If you suspect that your pothole hit has affected your vehicle’s alignment, it’s wise to have our professionals check and correct it as soon as possible.

• Repair or Replace Damaged Wheels and Tires: It is critical to promptly address any damage to wheels and tires. Ignoring minor issues can lead to more severe problems, including tire blowouts or loss of vehicle control. Seeking professional repair or replacement for any damaged components is crucial in maintaining your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity. If you suspect any issues with your wheels and tires, Tire Pirates can help.

• Report Potholes: Participating in the upkeep of communal roads by reporting potholes can be beneficial. Many municipalities offer channels through which residents can report road damage for repair. By reporting potholes, you contribute to the safety and convenience of your community, potentially preventing damage to other vehicles and improving driving conditions for everyone.

Repairing Pothole Damage on Wheels at Tire Pirates

At Tire Pirates, we understand that pothole damage is an inevitable issue that occurs when you drive a vehicle. Our team can help assess the damage caused by the pothole and take action to fix it. After encountering a pothole, taking the steps listed above can help ensure your vehicle remains safe and in good working condition while also contributing to safer roads for your community. To learn more about how to avoid potholes or how to fix damage caused by them, give us a call!