Potholes are more than just a nuisance. Hitting a big one can throw off your car’s alignment, damage your tires or wheels, and even bend suspension components. Unfortunately, most drivers don’t see it coming until it’s too late. If you’ve recently hit a large pothole, there are a few steps you should take right away to protect your vehicle and avoid further damage.
While some pothole impacts cause immediate flat tires or bent rims, others do more subtle damage that shows up days or weeks later. That’s why it’s important to know what signs to look for and how to respond after the hit.
Step One: Check for Obvious Damage
After hitting a pothole, pull over to a safe location and do a quick inspection. Start with your tires. Look for bulges in the sidewall, low pressure, or visible cuts. A sudden jolt can also crack or bend wheels, especially if they’re aluminum or aftermarket.
If your tire looks fine but the car is pulling to one side, the steering wheel is off-center, or you hear a new noise while driving, those are signs something may be damaged underneath.
Even if your car feels normal at first, internal damage to suspension or steering components may still be present. That’s why a professional inspection is always a smart move.
How Potholes Affect Suspension and Alignment
Your suspension is built to absorb bumps, but large potholes can exceed its limits. When that happens, shocks and struts may take the brunt of the impact. Over time, repeated hits can cause them to wear out faster than expected.
More concerning is the effect on your vehicle’s alignment. A hard pothole hit can knock your wheels out of their proper angles, leading to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and reduced fuel economy. If your steering wheel is no longer centered or your car drifts to one side, it’s likely an alignment issue caused by the impact.
Listen for Strange Noises
New clunking, rattling, or squeaking noises after a pothole hit are often early signs of damage. These sounds can come from loose control arms, bent sway bar links, or worn ball joints.
It’s tempting to ignore the noise and hope it goes away, but suspension and steering problems can worsen over time and may eventually affect safety. If something sounds different, it’s best to get it checked before a minor issue turns into a costly repair.
Watch for Tire Pressure Loss
Some pothole damage is slow to reveal itself. A tire that seemed fine right after the impact might start losing pressure over the next day or two. This could indicate a pinched sidewall or a cracked wheel rim.
It’s a good habit to monitor your tire pressure after hitting a pothole. If it drops noticeably, don’t just top it off and have the tire and rim inspected for damage.
Why Prompt Repairs Matter
Even minor suspension or alignment issues can affect how your car handles, especially at higher speeds or during emergency maneuvers. They also shorten the life of your tires and other components. Catching these problems early can save you from needing more expensive repairs down the road.
Avoiding potholes altogether may not always be possible, but dealing with the aftermath properly can prevent lasting damage.
Central Automotive Service Center – Pothole Damage Repair in Walnut Creek, CA
At Central Automotive Service Center, we help Walnut Creek drivers recover from pothole damage with suspension checks, alignment services, and wheel inspections. If your car has started acting differently after a jolt in the road, don’t wait for the problem to get worse.
Stop by for a full inspection and keep your vehicle riding straight and smooth.