Potholes may not be common in most urban areas today but in case you often travel through pothole-ridden roads and you’ve just hit one, you better have your car check thoroughly for any sign of damage. Car parts that are vulnerable to damage due to potholes include the wheels, tires, steering and suspension system as well as the wheel alignment.

For the wheels and tires, you can visually check for any damage such as scratches, dents and deformation. For steering, suspension and wheel alignment problems, you should consult a professional mechanic to thoroughly inspect your vehicle.

Damage to the steering and suspension system will result to loss of control, swaying when making turns, excessive bouncing on rough terrain and bottoming-out on city streets. This will severely affect a vehicle’s safety and handling so it needs proper and prompt attention. As a preventive maintenance measure, steering and suspension systems should be regularly checked once a year.

So the next time you hit a big pothole, don’t guess what damage it caused to your car. Have it thoroughly inspected immediately.

By Dex