Bulging tire sidewalls, bent rims, strange exhaust noises… what may seem like a strange combination of car problems might actually be caused by one thing: pothole damage. Find out what the most obvious signs of pothole damage are and when it’s time to visit your nearest Tires Plus. A little bit of pothole damage can turn into a much bigger pothole car repair if left to run its course, so these are big symptoms you don’t want to ignore.
Does your car need pothole damage repair?
Pulling to the side
Pay attention if your car pulls to one side when you’re attempting to drive straight, or if the steering wheel is off-center when you’re moving straight. Hitting a pothole may have thrown off your car’s wheel alignment! Alignment issues can be a major safety concern, and also cause uneven tire tread and decreased gas mileage.
Strange exhaust noises
Even if you didn't notice hitting a pothole, your car might be screaming for attention. This is one problem that’s a little difficult to tune out! If you notice weird noises, the pothole may have actually damaged your vehicle’s exhaust system. A complete vehicle inspection can help locate and diagnose the damage.
Bulging tire sidewalls
Bulges or bubbles in the tire sidewall should be addressed immediately. When you hit a pothole, you can damage the inner liner of the tire. This damage allows air to escape and create the bulge you see. You’re at risk for a tire blowout if you ignore the problem and continue to drive on the compromised tire.
Bent rims
You might see the damage to your rims if you hit a pothole particularly hard. The majority of rims on the road today are made with aluminum, which can actually bend if hit with enough force. While bent rims are more of a cosmetic issue than a safety issue, they could point towards more unseen pothole damage.
Flat tire
A flat tire is one pothole problem you definitely can’t overlook. Avoid driving far on a flat, if possible. This can cause a great deal of damage to the wheel your tire is mounted on. If you must drive, try not to go more than a few hundred yards and don’t drive faster than 20 miles per hour. The sooner you can get off the road safely, the better!
These signs of pothole damage can be annoying and inconvenient, but let them run their course and you’ll end up with even worse damage to your car. A quick vehicle inspection and repair can get you back on the road with peace of mind. Schedule an appointment for vehicle inspection and pothole repair at your nearby Tires Plus today!
