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Potholes are an unfortunate part of driving. Even if you have some of the most excellent roads in Birmingham, AL, you will still find potholes in other areas. They are normal occurrences in areas with severe temperature fluctuations all year round.
So, how do potholes form? A pothole in the pavement is formed due to groundwater freezing and thawing throughout the year. Constant heavy traffic can also lead to potholes. Most potholes are small and just a few inches deep, and many vehicles can drive over them without problems. However, when they become large holes, they are considered road hazards and can damage vehicle undercarriage parts and wheels.
For most drivers, small holes in the road are minor inconveniences - something that causes momentary bumps in your driving. Still, avoiding potholes, especially big ones, is always the better idea. Drive around them to protect your car. Here are some of the possible damage potholes can do to your Toyota vehicle:
Undercarriage damage
When you drive carelessly over a large pothole, your vehicle could bottom out, damaging your undercarriage. It is imperative to protect your vehicle's undercarriage, as it contains critical and vulnerable parts, such as the exhaust. If driving around potholes is impossible in your area, it is better to get an underbody protector or a trim model that comes with one.
Damage to tires and wheels
Since tires make the most contact with potholes, they are usually the ones to take the most damage. Potholes can wear down tire tread due to their rough edges. In addition, potholes can bulge out or puncture tires, resulting in flat tires. Avoid damaging your wheels or tires by steering around potholes on the road.
Suspension damage
Potholes should be avoided whenever possible since, in extreme cases, they may damage the suspension system. If this happens, the damage might not be obvious, and you could aggravate the issue if you continue to drive your vehicle. Therefore, you should check your car if you accidentally drive through a pothole. If your vehicle pulls to one side or suddenly shakes, you might need suspension repair.
Damage to the exhaust system
Potholes can scrape against your car's undercarriage as you drive over them. They tend to affect low-hanging components like exhaust pipes, which are vulnerable to damage. Deep potholes can puncture pipes, causing strange noises and harmful leaks.
Bumper misalignment
Bumpers are often overlooked as integral parts of a vehicle. Your bumper helps protect the rest of your vehicle by absorbing shocks when you hit something. If the bumper hits a pothole hard enough, it may dislodge and become loose. You should always check everything on your vehicle after hitting a pothole. Repairs may be needed if the bumper is damaged or loose.
Problems with wheel alignment
Your car’s wheels can get misaligned if you hit potholes hard enough. Cars with misaligned wheels are prone to pull to one side. Vehicle control might be difficult, and your tires might wear unevenly. Limbaugh Toyota is happy to realign your vehicle's wheels, but we recommend avoiding this problem entirely.
In some cases, potholes cannot be avoided because they appear quickly. It can also be difficult to drive around them due to surrounding traffic. The most effective way to avoid potholes on a busy road is to slow down and keep your wheels straight. You should stay alert and not take your hands off the steering wheel. If there is no traffic, carefully check your mirrors and navigate the area carefully.
Careful driving may not be enough in areas with frequent potholes. To prevent damage, make sure your Toyota vehicle can handle rough terrain.
Always check your tires: Whenever you travel, check your tires. Visit Limbaugh Toyota as soon as possible if your vehicle makes loud noises, rolls unevenly, or has bulges or dents in its tires.
Inflate your tires properly: Properly inflated tires can prevent flat tires or bent wheels from hitting potholes. A sticker on your doorjamb or in your owner's manual tells you what the proper inflation level is for your car.
Consider investing in a "tall" vehicle: More ground clearance on your Toyota can help you avoid damaging it when you hit potholes. When a vehicle is higher, it is less likely to sustain damage from potholes. The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, for example, has a ground clearance of 9 inches.
Contact us to get your vehicle back on the road after hitting a pothole. The service department at Limbaugh Toyota in Birmingham, AL, can get your Toyota vehicle running again in no time.
