Dealing with Damaged Tires and Suspension After Driving Over Potholes

Introduction

Accidents are sometimes unavoidable, especially when driving on roads that are frequently repaired or poorly maintained. Potholes, in particular, can cause extensive damage to both tires and the suspension system of a vehicle. This article will discuss the potential damages, how to identify the issues, and the necessary steps to take to ensure the safety and functionality of your vehicle.

Potential Damage from Pothole Strikes

Tire Damage

Visual Inspection: When you hit a pothole, the first thing to do is perform a visual inspection of your tires. Look for any bulges, cuts, or punctures in the sidewalls or treads, as these can indicate possible damage. It is also important to check the air pressure in your tires. If the tire is losing air, it might suggest a more severe issue such as a puncture or a tear in the inner liner.

Vibration or Noise: Unusual vibrations or noises while driving could also be a sign of tire damage. These could be indicative of a more serious problem that could affect the driving experience and safety of the vehicle.

Suspension Damage

Alignment Issues: Suspension damage can affect a vehicle’s alignment. If you notice the steering feels off or if the vehicle tends to pull to one side, this might be an indication of misalignment. Another sign is a clunking noise when driving over bumps, which could mean that components such as struts, shocks, or control arms are damaged.

Visual Inspection: You can also check for any visible damage to suspension parts, as well as leaks in shock absorbers.

Recommendations

Once you’ve identified any potential damage, there are a few recommendations to follow:

Inspect Your Tires: Look for any visible signs of damage and check the air pressure. High-quality tires should be checked at least once a month. Check Vehicle Handling: It’s important to pay attention to how the car drives after hitting a pothole. Changes in handling, such as difficulty turning or unusual noise, are red flags. Professional Inspection: If you suspect any damage, it’s best to have a mechanic inspect your vehicle to diagnose both tire and suspension issues. A thorough inspection will help you determine the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs.

In conclusion, it is possible to damage either or both the tires and the suspension system when driving over potholes. A thorough check is advisable to ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.

Real Instances of Pothole Damage

While potholes that are small often cause little to no damage, larger potholes with vehicles traveling at freeway speeds can lead to more severe issues. I have personally witnessed potholes large enough to rip the wheels off cars, especially at higher speeds. The key factors that contribute to this damage are the size of the pothole, the speed of the vehicle, and the depth of the pothole.

The size of the tire itself can also play a role in the level of damage. For instance, when driving through a rut on a road being repaired, if it was dark and the pothole was quite large (the size of a bushel basket), it could easily damage the tires and rims.

In one particular incident, my Towncar, fitted with 235/35/22 tires, hit a pothole that only measured a foot and a half but was unseen in the darkness. As a result, two of the front tires were blown out, and both rear tires were damaged, causing the rims to bend. This was not far from where I was entering the highway, and the damage would have been even more severe if I had not found the pothole in time.

On another occasion, I hit a pothole that was as large as a bushel basket and in complete darkness. Unfortunately, this resulted in two more rim bends. The conditions and roads were almost identical in both instances, except that this time, the road department was fully responsible, exhibiting a lack of proper maintenance.

Damage from pothole hits can vary from mere visual inspection to potentially unseen damage such as a torn steel belt or cord that can cause vibrations leading to larger problems in the future. Struts, front wheel bearings, and other components can also be affected.

Regardless of the extent of the damage, a thorough inspection by a professional mechanic is necessary to diagnose and repair the issues. A four-wheel alignment may also be required to ensure optimal performance and safety.

It is important to notify the responsible party as soon as possible to pursue any possible compensation for the damage caused. In my case, the city where I live covered the cost of the four tires, and the state highway department covered the costs related to the on-ramp issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with pothole damage not only involves immediate assessment and repairs but also ensuring ongoing maintenance and safety measures. Regular tire and suspension inspections, immediate attention to unusual noises or changes in handling, and professional diagnosis and repairs are crucial steps to take. Taking these precautions can help prevent more extensive and costly damage in the long run.