Dealing with the Aftermath of Potholes
13 March 2015 - By Eugene Herbert
Hi Folks… I am sure most readers have had their fair share of potholes and, given the state of our roads it’s almost a matter of ‘when’ you hit one as opposed to ‘if’ you hit one. Tyre damage is a given and having recently being exposed to the costs associated with “collateral” damage, it was just too good a subject to miss writing about. Here are some points to remember – particularly after an incident. · Inspect Tyres – The tyre is the most important cushion between a vehicle and a pothole. Make sure tires have enough tread and are properly inflated. When checking tyre pressures, make sure they’re inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s door jamb. · Inspect Suspension – Make certain struts and shock absorbers are in good condition. Changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven tire wear can indicate bad shocks or bent struts. Have the suspension inspected by a professional if you suspect problems. · Heads up Driving – When driving make a point of checking the road ahead for potholes. An alert driver may have time to avoid potholes, so it’s important to stay focused on the road and not have any distractions inside or outside the vehicle. Before swerving to avoid a pothole, check surrounding traffic to ensure this will not cause a collision or endanger nearby pedestrians or cyclists. · Slow Down – If a pothole cannot be avoided, reduce your speed safely. Make sure to check the rear-view mirror before any abrupt braking. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds greatly increases the chance of damage to tyres, wheels and suspension components. · Beware of Puddles – A puddle of water can disguise a deep pothole. Use care when driving through puddles and treat them as though they may be hiding potholes. · Check Alignment – Hitting a pothole can knock a vehicle’s wheels out of alignment and affect the steering. If your car or truck starts pulling to the left or right, have the wheel alignment checked by a professional. · Recognize Noises or Vibrations – A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage a tyre or wheel, and bend or even break suspension components. If you hit a pothole, listen for any new or unusual noises or vibrations. If you notice any, it’s time to have the vehicle checked by a professional. Notice from our brief discussion two important features used to train advanced drivers are evident – · Heads up driving & · Having a correct following distance. Till next time - Safe Driving and watch for hazards on the roads! Eugene Herbert Group Managing Director |