Suspension
Hit a pothole? What to check afterward
One hard hit can damage a tire, bend a wheel or knock your alignment out. What to look for and how to avoid the worst of it.
Freeze-thaw season opens up potholes all over Jackson County. Most hits are harmless. Some aren't. Here's how to tell.
Look at the tire and wheel
- A bulge or bubble on the sidewall means the tire is damaged inside. Replace it.
- A bent or cracked wheel can cause a slow leak or a vibration.
- A tire that keeps losing air after a hit needs a closer look.
Pay attention to how it drives
- A new vibration at highway speed
- Pulling to one side
- A steering wheel that's now off-center
- New clunks or rattles over bumps
Any of these can mean alignment, suspension or steering damage. They're worth checking before they wear out your tires or get worse.
How to take a pothole more safely
- Keep your tires at the right pressure. Low tires are easier to damage.
- Slow down and leave space, so you can see potholes coming.
- If you can't avoid one, brake before it and let off the brake as you go over it.
