It’s been a rough winter for much of northeast Kansas. Cold temperatures and moisture accumulation have taken their toll on our roads, leaving behind pesky potholes. They’re not just a jarring nuisance, but also a danger for motorists and a hazard to our vehicles.
The formation of potholes is exacerbated by low temperatures, as water expands when it freezes to form ice, and puts greater stress on an already cracked pavement or road.
Potholes can damage vehicle suspension components and result in costly repairs. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Maintain full air pressure in all tires to provide as much cushion as possible between the pothole and the rim of the tire. Consult the vehicle owner’s manual for the correct pressure.
- Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and those ahead of you so you can spot potholes.
- If a pothole cannot be avoided, slow down. Hitting a pothole at high speed increases the chance of damage to tires, wheels, shocks, struts or springs.
- Firmly grasp your steering wheel to maintain vehicle control on a pothole-filled road.
- Do not brake when directly over a pothole. Applying the brakes causes the car’s weight to shift to the front of the wheel and can increase damage from the impact.
- Beware of water that may be concealing a deep pothole.
Just one deep pothole can tweak your wheel alignment and cause uneven tire wear, resulting in the need to replace tires earlier than usual. Plus, hitting a big pothole can break a shock or strut, altering the steering and handling of your vehicle. This can create danger driving at high speeds or in tight corners. These types of damages should be repaired immediately for safety.
Filed under: News, Safety | Tagged: briggs, Auto, Manhattan, Topeka, kansas, junction city, briggsauto, lawrence, pothole
