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Potholes
In many areas of the country, the snow
and ice of winter have left roads in bad shape. The repeated
freezing and thawing of moisture seeps through road surfaces
and causes potholes.
Potholes can cause
tire and suspension damage
The impact of potholes on tires increases dramatically with
speed and can cause hidden, internal damage that could lead
to tire failure weeks, or even months later. When you hit
a pothole you can damage your tire and/or the metal wheel
of your vehicle. Hitting potholes can throw your vehicle's
front end out of alignment.
If you feel your car "pulling" during
driving, that's a clue that you could have a problem. Check
the tread on your tires: uneven tread wear can be a sign
of misalignment. If you hit a severe pothole, have your
dealer check your vehicle's alignment and tire balance.
If you can't avoid
a pothole
It's best to avoid potholes entirely, but if that's not
possible; don't just brake during the pothole impact. Instead,
apply brakes before hitting a pothole and release them just
prior to impact. Braking during the impact sets up the wheel
and tire assembly for a "solid hit" against the edge of
the hole. Less severe damage occurs when a tire is rolling
than when it is skidding over a hole during braking.
Keeping your tires properly inflated
will help reduce damage from potholes and other road hazards.
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Potholes
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