If you've ever driven on a road in Atlanta then you've seen them. But how do they get there? Potholes normally start with a crack in the surface of the road. Traffic, water and changes in temperature cause the crack to widen and the road starts to come apart. Cold and/or wet climates tend to be the worst when it comes to widening the cracks. As more cars travel across this break, the road weakens. Our tires pick up and kick out bits of the road and holes are formed.
Potholes are more than a nuisance, they can seriously damage a car's tires, wheels, steering and alignment and may lead to collisions and extensive body damage. You should have Braxton Automotive inspect your vehicle as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the following after you encounter a pothole:
- Loss of control, a feeling of "sway" when making turns, excessive bounce or a bottoming out are all signs that the car's steering and suspension might have suffered damage.
- The vehicle is pulling left or right, not maintaining a straight path or the tires are wearing unevenly.
- Dents in the wheel rims, low tire pressure, tires not holding pressure and any type of bulging or blistering in the tires or their sidewalls.
These signs all indicate potential safety issues and should be taken care of as soon as possible. Your tires are the only thing connecting you to the road; without them you could not move, control which direction you were going or come to a safe stop.
While I'm sure you are on your best alert when it comes to these road hazards, some can be impossible to avoid, especially when traveling at higher speeds or in unfavorable weather conditions. Unfortunately, because Atlanta is so large and repairing potholes costs money, we will continue to encounter them.
Our advice is to do your best to avoid them and if you have the misfortune of hitting one then keep alert to any of the symptoms above. As always, Braxton Automotive is here to help you and your family travel safely and reliably on the road.