How potholes damage your tyres
<p>Potholes are a road hazard that can be encountered numerous times in one day. The damage a pothole can have on your tyre is dependent on the pothole’s depth and the car’s speed on impact. Potholes can cause misalignment and damaged suspension, which aren’t as easily seen as a flat tyre. Here are four ways that potholes can damage your car that you need to be aware of.</p>
<p><strong>1. Side wall damage</strong></p>
<p>Side wall damage is one of the most common problems after hitting a pothole. When the tyre comes out of the pothole, the sidewall of the tyre pinches itself together and causes a separation of the internal structure of the tire. Side wall damage can usually be spotted as a bulge or egg shape in the sidewall. When side wall damage occurs, it will generally cause a vibration to be sent through the steering wheel. If sidewall damage is not fixed, it can cause a deflation in the tyre as the tyre is heated through use.</p>
<p><strong>2. Wheel cracks</strong></p>
<p>Wheel cracks are caused from the impact of the pothole travelling through the tyre and causing a crack in the wheel. Wheel cracks are not always visible but will slowly release pressure from the tyre which can have consequences such as sudden deflation or total wheel failure.</p>
<p><strong>3. Suspension damage</strong></p>
<p>Vehicle suspension can also be damaged from a pothole collision. The impact of going over a pothole can damage track rod ends, coil springs and suspension wish bones, which are all important to a car’s suspension. Suspension can be costly to repair so be sure to keep an eye out on the road and always slow down if you see any hazard.</p>
<p><strong>4. Wheel alignment out</strong></p>
<p>Wheel alignment cannot always be seen by looking at the vehicle and can only sometimes be noticed as you drive your car. It can cause issues such as the car pulling to one side of the road or the steering wheel not being straight when you are driving in a straight line. Misaligned tyres can wear out much quicker than normal tyres and can also use up petrol quicker.</p>
<p>If you drive over a pothole, firstly conduct a visual check on the car and tyres to see if anything is different. After the first check, it is important to pay attention to the way your car drives to see if it has been impacted in any way and to listen for any new noises. Observe the tyre pressure to see if there has been any abnormal drop in the pressure. If you follow these steps and still feel like something is wrong with the car then you should seek professional assistance.</p>
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