After enduring such a harsh winter it’s no surprise potholes seem to be taking over our roads! As if we haven’t had enough trouble and inconvenience with the seemingly never ending winter weather, now we must concern ourselves with the potential damage from the numerous potholes. Encountering a pothole with your vehicle could result in severe hazard to tires, wheels, and suspension components.
Potholes are most prominent this time of year after the roads have endured ice, snow and sub freezing temperatures. Potholes are formed in the road when water seeps in the cracks and freezes causing the area to expand and the road to crumble. Once the ice melts a pothole appears. Unfortunately potholes are inevitable with the climate we’ve been experiencing.
While we cannot prevent potholes from crumbling the roads, we can take precautions to protect ourselves and our vehicles.
- Slow down and pay attention to the road. Give yourself a chance to see the pothole before it’s too late.
- Drive on well lit roads at night so any potholes remain visible.
- Drive on familiar roads. This will allow you to locate and avoid potholes.
- If you cannot avoid a pothole, brake before you hit it. Less damage is caused when your tire is rolling over the potholes than skidding over it.
If you are unable to avoid a pothole in the road be sure to carefully inspect your tires and wheels for any damage. Also, pay attention to how your vehicle handles. If you feel a pull from either direction or any steering malfunction be sure to have your vehicle checked by a professional.
Be sure to check your auto policy so you are aware if pothole damage is covered. Potholes are covered under collision coverage, which is an optional portion of an auto insurance policy. It covers damage from collision with an object, such as potholes. If you have any questions regarding your collision coverage, please call our offices at 410-833-7666.