How much does it cost to repair car damage caused by potholes?
Spring is the season when potholes often occur. Here are some tips to protect your tires from damage.
Potholes will hit us all at some point. Many of them are minor and unlikely to affect your vehicle beyond the obvious impact, but some of the larger ones can cause serious damage if you hit them hard enough.
Many drivers believe that the only damage caused by potholes is to the wheels and tires, but hidden damage can also exist.
How much does it cost to repair pothole damage?
Pothole repair costs vary depending on what exactly broke. If you’re just fixing a flat tire or a cracked wheel, the average repair price starts at around $200 on the cheap. Things get even worse if other suspension components or advanced driver assistance systems are damaged.
What causes potholes?
Potholes can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common ways potholes form is when water seeps into cracks in the road, freezes, and enlarges the cracks. Another way cracks form is that the constant loads of heavy vehicles driving over them can cause the pavement to loosen and shift.
Is there a safe way to avoid potholes?
If you’re on an empty road with no cars next to you, it may be safer to take a detour around the pothole. Even when potholes are unavoidable, there are ways to minimize potential damage.
In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, Duane “Doc” Watson, a technical trainer with Bosch Mobility and Aftermarket, talked about what you can do when there are inevitable potholes.
“You have to try to slow down. So when you’re slowing down right before you hit the pothole, take your foot off the brake. That way, the tire can keep spinning without slipping or bouncing on the other side of the pothole.”
Kenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at kthompson@freepress.com. Follow him on Instagram @keenanaautos. To sign up automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
