Your car feels bumpy after hitting a pothole because the impact jolts the tires, wheels, and suspension (shocks, struts, springs), causing damage like bent rims, wheel misalignment, uneven tire pressure, or worn suspension parts (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), leading to vibrations, pulling, or a bouncy ride as components struggle to absorb impacts, notes Crabtree Automotive and GMB North America, Inc..
Signs of pothole damage
Pulling to one side and uneven tire wear – signs of alignment problems. Blisters or bulges on tire sidewalls or dents in the wheel rim – symptoms of tire damage. You risk a potentially disastrous tire blowout if don't have this taken care of.
Large potholes can damage your car's undercarriage. Exhaust pipes are among the components most likely to be damaged by potholes. Deep potholes can scrape or puncture pipes, causing leaks and increased emissions. In an impact, your vehicle's bumper absorbs the shock.
However, hitting a pothole can knock your wheels out of alignment, making driving less safe and putting extra stress on your tires. Ignoring misalignment can lead to bigger issues, like uneven tire wear and poor handling, both of which could compromise your safety on the road.
``If it's a normal pothole and you have the proper air pressure, your vehicle should be able to absorb it and you should go on your way - but it really depends on the depth of the pothole, your speed and the air pressure in your tire,'' says Sean Cooney-Mann, store manager for an OK Tire in Toronto.
What To Check After Hitting a Pothole
The "3% tire rule" is a guideline for replacing tires, stating that the new tire's overall diameter should not vary more than ±3% from the original to maintain speedometer accuracy, proper handling, and function of safety systems like ABS and traction control. Going outside this range can cause speedometer errors, clearance issues, and strain on the engine and transmission, while a separate (and false) "3-tire rule" rumor suggests insurance won't cover vandalism if only three tires are damaged.
A bent wheel rim can make your car feel wobbly even if your tires are fine. This is especially common after hitting road debris or a deep pothole. Damaged rims should be repaired or replaced right away to prevent further suspension or tire damage. Worn shocks, struts, or tie rods can cause instability at higher speeds.
Watch Out for These Bad Alignment Symptoms
Potholes can cause damage to your car's suspension, steering, wheel rims and tyres – likely causing at least superficial damage (scrapes and marks). In worse cases, your suspension or steering can become bent out of shape, causing your car to veer off-centre when driving.
It's usually not worth filing a car insurance claim for minor dents or scratches if the repair cost is close to your deductible or less than your No Claim Bonus value. Paying for small repairs yourself helps you keep your NCB discount and avoid higher premiums later.
Potholes can cause dents to your oil pan and other interior parts. If you notice more leaking fluid than normal after hitting that pothole, ask your mechanic to take a look. Potholes, of any size, can cause damage to your car and affect safety, wear & tear, and a smooth ride.
Identifying Frame Damage
Depending on the severity of the impact and the size of the pothole, potholes can cause bent wheel rims, internal tire damage, alignment problems, as well as shock and strut issues. But not all impacts are instantly recognizable. Some problems develop over time.
To check for structural damage, perform a systematic inspection of your home's foundation, interior walls, and exterior. Look for stair-step cracks in brickwork, cracks wider than 6mm, sloping floors, and doors or windows that stick or won't close properly.
A misaligned spine has several symptoms. These include fatigue and pain in your knees, hips, and neck. Other signs of a misaligned spine include RLS, back pain, severe headaches, tingling, numbness, and poor posture.
The national average for a complete wheel alignment service is between $50 to $168. Although, cost can vary depending on the service provider and the type of alignment. Wheel alignment should be performed once a year, but it may be required more frequently, depending on your driving style and where you drive.
First, find a smooth, flat, and straight stretch of road. Next, drive with a loose grip on the wheel so that you can tell if the car is pulling either way without you steering. While you are driving, listen closely to see if you can hear any scraping, whining, or grinding sounds because those could indicate a problem.
Inspect Undercarriage: After hitting a pothole, you should visually inspect your car's undercarriage to see if there's any visible damage to things like your exhaust system, suspension, or frame. If there are any leaking fluids or loose parts, you need to see a mechanic ASAP!
Worn or Leaking Shock Absorbers
Over time, shocks wear out or start to leak, reducing their ability to dampen movement. If your vehicle continues bouncing long after hitting a bump, or if the front end dives when braking, the shocks may need to be replaced.
5 Signs Your Vehicle's Suspension Has A Problem
You don't know the depth of your tyre tread? Use the 25 cent trick! Insert a 25 cent piece into the tire's grooves with the nose of the caribou facing downward. If the caribou's nose isn't visible, it means the depth is superior to 6/32 of an inch.
There's a common misconception that insurance companies won't cover three slashed tires but will cover four slashed tires instead. The truth is that you're covered for any number of slashed tires, as long as you have the right coverage.
The Rule of 105 states that the rim must be at least 105% the width of the tire if you have any chance of re-capturing airflow from the tire and controlling it or smoothing it. One of the most interesting aspects of the Rule of 105 is that before 2001, nobody was tunnel testing with 21 or 23mm tires.