🕳️ Pothole Season Survival Guide: Protect Your Car from Spring Road Hazards

 

Spring is pothole season! These sneaky road craters form due to freezing and thawing cycles that weaken the pavement, creating hazardous dips and cracks. Hitting a pothole at high speed can lead to tire blowouts, bent rims, misalignment, and suspension damage. If you’ve ever felt that sudden jolt after hitting one, you know how frustrating it can be. Here’s how to avoid costly repairs and keep your car safe this season.

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Why Are Potholes So Common in Spring?

During the winter, water seeps into small cracks in the road. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, forcing the cracks to widen. As the weather warms up, the ice melts, leaving gaps under the pavement. Over time, passing vehicles cause these weak spots to collapse, creating potholes. Since spring brings rapid temperature shifts and frequent rain, potholes become an unavoidable nuisance.

Factors That Worsen Pothole Formation:

• Heavy Traffic: The more cars that pass over weakened pavement, the worse the damage becomes.

• Frequent Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Spring’s fluctuating temperatures create an ongoing cycle of expansion and contraction.

• Rain and Snowmelt: Water infiltration speeds up the deterioration process, making potholes grow larger.

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How Potholes Can Damage Your Car

Potholes don’t just make for a bumpy ride—they can cause serious mechanical issues. Even a minor impact can lead to problems that worsen over time, resulting in costly repairs.

Common Pothole-Related Car Issues:

✔ Tire Blowouts – The sudden impact can weaken the sidewalls or cause immediate flats, leaving you stranded. ✔ Wheel and Rim Damage – Hitting a deep pothole at high speed can bend or crack your rims, affecting your vehicle's handling. ✔ Suspension and Alignment Issues – Repeated pothole impacts can throw your car out of alignment, leading to uneven tire wear and poor steering response. ✔ Underbody Damage – Deep potholes may scrape the underside of your vehicle, potentially damaging the exhaust system, oil pan, or other critical components. ✔ Steering Issues – A hard pothole hit can cause misalignment or even damage to the steering rack, making it harder to keep the vehicle straight on the road.

Warning Signs of Pothole Damage:

• Your car pulls to one side while driving.

• You notice a sudden drop in fuel efficiency due to increased resistance.

• There’s excessive vibration in the steering wheel.

• Unusual noises, such as clunking or rattling when driving over bumps.

• Your tires show uneven tread wear sooner than expected.

If you experience any of these signs, have your car inspected as soon as possible.

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How to Protect Your Car from Pothole Damage

While you can’t eliminate potholes, you can take precautions to minimize damage and costly repairs.

1️⃣ Stay Alert and Drive Defensively

Be aware of road conditions and anticipate potholes, especially after heavy rains. Maintain a safe following distance so you have time to react.

2️⃣ Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

Properly inflated tires absorb impacts better than underinflated ones. Check your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure they are at the recommended PSI.

3️⃣ Slow Down When Approaching Potholes

If avoiding a pothole is impossible, reduce your speed and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Hitting a pothole at lower speeds reduces the force of impact and potential damage.

4️⃣ Avoid Puddles When Possible

Potholes are often hidden beneath puddles, making them difficult to gauge. If you can’t avoid driving through standing water, proceed cautiously.

5️⃣ Get a Post-Winter Inspection

A professional check-up can identify hidden damage before it worsens. An alignment check, tire rotation, and suspension inspection can ensure your car remains in good condition.

🚗 Hit a pothole recently? Call Scranton Auto Service at 570-347-4056 to check for hidden damage!

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What to Do If You Hit a Pothole

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, potholes are unavoidable. If you hit one, follow these steps:

1️⃣ Check for Immediate Damage: Pull over safely and inspect your tires and wheels for visible damage. 

2️⃣ Pay Attention to Changes in Handling: If your car pulls to one side or you hear strange noises, there could be alignment or suspension damage. 

3️⃣ Monitor Your Tire Pressure: A slow leak can result from pothole impact, so check your tire pressure over the next few days. 

4️⃣ Get an Inspection: If you notice any irregularities, have your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic.

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Why Choose Scranton Auto Service?

At Scranton Auto Service, we understand how frustrating pothole damage can be. That’s why we offer expert tire, suspension, and alignment services to keep your vehicle safe and running smoothly. 

Our certified technicians will: 

• ✅ Inspect your tires and wheels for damage 
• ✅ Check and correct wheel alignment 
• ✅ Examine your suspension for worn or broken components 
• ✅ Perform a full safety check to ensure your car is road-ready

📞 Schedule your pothole damage inspection today at 570-347-4056!

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⚠️ Disclaimer: The information provided on the Scranton Auto Service Blog is for general educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date car care tips, every vehicle is unique, and maintenance needs may vary based on make, model, age, and driving conditions. For specific concerns about your vehicle, we strongly recommend consulting a trusted mechanic or referring to your owner’s manual for manufacturer-recommended service guidelines. Scranton Auto Service is happy to provide professional inspections and maintenance services tailored to your car’s needs. Call us at 570-347-4056 to schedule an appointment today!