Sometimes, you can see the pothole coming. Other times, you just feel the jolt of your car dipping in and out of one. In addition to this unpleasant sensation, these road hazards can also have a serious impact on your car. The guide below looks at what auto repairs may be necessary if your commute involves driving over pothole-strewn roads. 

What Parts of Your Car Are Most Affected by Potholes?

1. Tires

The stress of hitting a pothole can cause your tires to lose air or become unevenly worn. Additionally, the sidewalls may crack under impact, making them more susceptible to blowouts. While it is impossible to avoid every pothole there is, replacing your tires according to your mechanic’s recommendations can make them less susceptible to this damage.

2. Wheels

A run-in with a pothole can also bend your wheel rims. Because they can no longer roll smoothly, this can lead to uneven tire wear and untimely tire replacements. This can also affect the airtight seals between the wheels and the tires, resulting in slow air leaks.

3. Exhaust System

Deep potholes scrape your car’s undercarriage, possibly denting or breaking the exhaust system pipes. If they sustain too much damage, the exhaust travels into your cabin instead of away from your vehicle. And since carbon monoxide is typically odorless, exhaust damage poses a potentially-fatal hazard without immediate auto repair services. Other exhaust system components can also get damaged by potholes, including the catalytic converter that reduces toxic emissions.

4. Suspension System

If your car pulls to the right or left after going over a pothole, the alignment is off. This can lead to problems with steering and handling, as well as uneven tire wear. Combined, this can increase your risk of an accident.

Take your car to Hillis 66 Service following pothole damage for efficient auto repairs. The Lincoln, NE, mechanic has over 40 years of experience and uses the latest equipment to service a wide variety of car makes and models. Learn more about their auto repair services online. Get additional vehicle maintenance and safety tips on Facebook. Call (402) 474-2891 today to schedule an appointment.