Guide to Pothole Damage

Pothole damage on your Clermont Toyota can wreck your vehicle. We know they can sneak up on you and seem harmless at first. However, they are far from that. That’s why we’re here to go over how to avoid potholes so that you can stay safe on the highway. Let’s dive right into it!

Why is it Important to Look Out for Potholes – An Overview 

First, we’re going to get into why it is important to look out for potholes. Potholes can damage many things on your Clermont Toyota including the suspension, tires and alignment, undercarriage, and brakes. Next, let’s get into more depth about how pothole damage can absolutely wreck your Clermont Toyota vehicle.

• Suspension

The suspension consists of components like shocks, struts, and springs that allow you to have a smooth ride. However, if you experience pothole damage, then you’ll destroy your suspension over time. Ultimately, this will affect the vehicle’s handling and comfort.

• Tire Wear & Alignment Problems 

Also, pothole damage can produce uneven tire wear and alignment problems. If you hit a pothole, it can knock your wheels out of alignment. This can decrease your fuel efficiency and put your steering control at risk. Not to mention, it can be a super costly auto repair.

• Undercarriage Damage

Also, driving over a pothole can create undercarriage damage. This can lead to dents, punctures, and more severe problems. If you damage your exhaust system, bushing arm, or shockbreaker then this can hurt your wallet in a big way.

• Brake System Damage 

Finally, the last problem that can occur from potholes is brake system damage. This can affect everything from the brake pads, rotors, and other components in your brake system. If you don’t get this fixed immediately, then it can cause major problems later on.

Next, let’s learn how to avoid potholes so you don’t have to break the bank.

How to Avoid Potholes 

Also, it’s important to know how to avoid pothole damage in the first place. After all, prevention is the best way to avoid this situation!

• Drive Cautiously 

The first step you can take to reduce pothole damage is to drive cautiously. Be sure to increase the distance between you and the other car in front of you. This will allow you to see the pothole faster than if you tailgate someone.

• Improve Your Visibility 

Plus, you can improve your visibility. Check your surroundings and the road in front of you and around you to navigate around the potholes. Additionally, it’s important to make sure your headlights are working and that your windshield is clear.

• Watch Out for Puddles 

Next, be on the lookout for any puddles on the road. A puddle can hide a pothole and you can drive right over it and damage your Clermont Toyota.

• Avoid Other Vehicles 

Finally, the last step is to avoid other vehicles. If you see a pothole don’t swerve into the lane next to you to avoid it. Having a car accident is the last thing you’d want!

Let’s see how to tell if you have pothole tire damage and what you can do about it.

How to Tell if You Have Pothole Tire Damage

If you go over a pothole, you’ll need to know what parts of your Clermont Toyota are damaged. The parts most likely to be damaged are the tires, wheels, suspension, undercarriage, and body as mentioned before. However, if you have tire damage, then you should look out for the following:

• Inspect the entire tire
• Check the sidewalls of the tire
• Inspect the rims of your ride
• See if your tire pressure light pops up on the dashboard

Stop by Toyota of Clermont! 

Do you need pothole damage repair on your vehicle? If you do remember this super helpful guide to help you out of a tight spot. It’s always super important to know the steps to avoid this messy situation in the first place. Stop by Toyota of Clermont today at 16851 State Road 50. We’re just west of the Florida Turnpike.