Commuters often regard this time of the year as pothole season. As temperatures drop, potholes are more likely to form and
damage our vehicles. Luckily, there are several ways to keep your car intact with these tips for avoiding potholes in the winter. Here are a few of our top suggestions.
Distance Yourself From Other Cars
If you’re closely trailing behind another car, you’re leaving little space for yourself to see and react to a pothole. With some added distance between you and the vehicle ahead, you can adequately prepare for any pothole.
Slow Down
The faster you drive, the more likely you are to see damage to your car after encountering a pothole. Your reaction time will also be significantly slower while traveling at fast speeds, giving you no time to brace for the impact. Drive slower so you can maneuver around the pothole.
Inflate Your Tires
When cold weather hits, it’s best to inflate your tires to protect your car. Inflating your tires can minimize the impact of a pothole by preventing damaged rims or a blowout.
Report the Pothole
Anytime you see a pothole, make sure to call your local municipality to let them know. Actively reporting new potholes will encourage the city to fix the problem, so you don’t have to deal with the same pesky pothole on your everyday commute. Your fellow commuters will thank you, too.
Typical Damage To Look for
Sometimes it isn’t possible to avoid potholes in the winter. When that happens, look for these common signs of damage:
- Deflated tires
- Cracks or bulges in the tires
- Dents in wheel rims
- The vehicle shaking and pulling to the left or right, indicative of poor alignment
- Fluid leaks
- Unusual noises coming from the exhaust system
Every car owner knows the uneasy feeling of hitting a big pothole. Utilize these habits on the road to keep your car safe and steer clear of annoying potholes.
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