Although Decatur, IL, roads tend to be in good shape, there are also a few potholes you want to avoid. This comes with having a climate that experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Although your car may be able to roll right over potholes, it’s best to avoid them as much as possible.
When groundwater expands and contracts due to rain and snow, potholes are formed in the pavement. Lots of heavy traffic can also cause potholes. In most cases, potholes grow no deeper than a few inches. However, if they are large enough, they can damage your car’s suspension, undercarriage, and wheels.
Drivers often perceive these small holes as minor inconveniences that cause momentary bumps in the road. However, it is always a good idea to avoid potholes by going around them whenever possible. Here are the possible types of damage to a Hyundai vehicle:
Tire and wheel damage
Your tires typically take the brunt of the damage from potholes. Potholes have rough edges that can separate or wear down your tire tread. Occasionally, your tires’ sidewalls may bulge out, or potholes may puncture them, resulting in flat tires. When possible, steer your vehicle around potholes on the road to avoid damage to the wheels or tires.
Trouble with suspensions
In extreme cases, bigger potholes can also cause suspension damage. If this occurs, there are a few signs to watch out for. If your car suddenly shakes or pulls to one side, you may have some suspension problems. Fixing these problems can be expensive, so you want to avoid them altogether.
Exhaust system damage
Driving over large potholes can cause your car’s undercarriage to drag along the road’s surface. Your vehicle’s exhaust pipes are low-hanging components, making them particularly vulnerable to potholes. If you hit a deep pothole, the pipes could be scraped and punctured, leading to strange noises and leaks.
Misaligned bumpers
By absorbing shocks upon impact, bumpers help protect the rest of your vehicle from damage. After hitting a pothole, the bumper might hit the road hard enough to dislodge and loosen. If the bumper is damaged or loose, it may need to be repaired.
Wheel alignment problems
Knocking your vehicle’s wheels out of alignment is also possible if you hit a large pothole. Having misaligned wheels can cause your car to pull to one side or the other. You might have difficulty controlling your vehicle, and your tires may get uneven wear. Our team at Bob Brady Hyundai would be happy to realign the wheels on your vehicle, but it is better to avoid this problem altogether.
Undercarriage issues
A large pothole could also cause your car to bottom out. If its bottom strikes the ground, your car’s undercarriage may be damaged. Protecting your car’s undercarriage is critical. Some Hyundai vehicles come standard with an underbody protector for off-road driving.
Sometimes, potholes cannot be avoided because they come up quickly and are difficult to maneuver around because of surrounding traffic. When you make a sharp turn or brake quickly, you are more likely to crash into other cars.
Slowing down and keeping your wheels straight is the best way to avoid potholes. Make sure you check your mirrors carefully and navigate around the area if there is no traffic.
Careful driving may not be enough if you live in an area with pothole-ridden roads. Below are other tips that might be helpful:
Whenever your vehicle hits a pothole, contact us for assistance so you can get back on the road. Our service department at Bob Brady Hyundai in Decatur, IL, is always ready to restore your Hyundai to top condition.
