How Potholes Damage Your Car and What You Can Do to Prevent It

Winter in East Texas brings cooler, wetter weather—a transition that often leads to new and larger potholes on the roads. At Stewart’s Donnybrook Automotive, we understand how frustrating and costly pothole damage can be for drivers.

Potholes are caused by several factors, with water and heavy traffic being the primary culprits. These holes in the road can range from an unpleasant bump to the reason your car needs costly repairs.

Water seeps into cracks in the road, causing them to expand and worsen over time. This is especially true for roads exposed to heavy traffic, such as those frequented by large trucks and farm vehicles.

Potholes can be found everywhere—rural roads, urban streets, highways, and freeways. Sometimes they’re avoidable, but often they’re not.

Depending on their size and the speed at which you hit them, potholes can cause significant damage to your vehicle, potentially leading to expensive repairs.

What Damage Can Potholes Cause?

Hitting potholes—especially repeatedly—can lead to damage to your car’s suspension, tires, muffler, and alignment.

If you hit a pothole hard, it’s a good idea to:

1. Check your tires for damage. Pull over safely and inspect your tires for cracks, bulges, or other visible issues. Driving on a compromised tire could lead to a flat or even an accident.
2. Inspect your muffler. A hard bump can loosen or damage the muffler. If it appears loose, secure it temporarily and head to your local mechanic for repairs.
3. Look for cosmetic damage. Potholes can cause structural damage to your bumper, even if they don’t affect your car’s drivability.
4. Test your car’s wheel alignment. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side after hitting a pothole, it’s time to visit a mechanic. Misaligned wheels can lead to further damage “down the road.”
5. Check your hubcaps. Potholes are notorious for knocking them loose—or off entirely.

How to Avoid Potholes (When Possible)

While some potholes are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimize damage:

• Avoid puddles: What seems like a shallow splash could hide a deep pothole. Unless you’re sure it’s safe, it’s better to avoid the puddle altogether.
• Drive cautiously on unfamiliar roads: If you don’t know the road, you don’t know where the potholes are. Driving slowly gives you time to react to any obstacles.
• Don’t tailgate: Following too closely leaves you little time to react if the driver ahead brakes or swerves suddenly to avoid a pothole.

Regular Maintenance is Key

Routine maintenance can save you from expensive repairs caused by potholes. During regular check-ups, trusted mechanics like Stewart’s Donnybrook Automotive in Tyler, Texas, can identify and address small issues before they become costly problems.

Bringing your vehicle in for oil changes and inspections isn’t just about fluids and filters. It’s also an opportunity for your mechanic to check for early signs of wear and tear caused by potholes and other road hazards.

East Texas, with its mix of rural roads and heavy farm or lumber traffic, is particularly prone to pothole damage. Regular maintenance ensures your vehicle stays roadworthy, even in challenging conditions.

While potholes are a part of life in East Texas, you don’t have to let them ruin your car. By driving carefully and scheduling regular maintenance, you can reduce the risk of severe damage and costly repairs.

Trust Stewart’s Donnybrook Automotive, your local auto mechanic in Tyler, Texas, to keep your car running smoothly, no matter what the road throws at you.