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Hampton Roads has its share of potholes!
How are potholes formed?
As roadways freeze and thaw, moisture seeps under the surface of the road. This moisture freezes and expands, then heats up and contracts, applying stress to the road surface. As the weight from the vehicles that continuously drive over these areas, small pieces of the roadway begin to chip away. The more traveled the road, the more damage is caused, and the larger the pothole becomes. Road crews battle these potholes during the winter by patching the holes with a cold patch, until the weather is warm enough to properly repair the damage to the road.
We have all experienced that sudden jolt to the steering wheel while driving on the interstate.
Potholes can cause serious damage to your steering, suspension, tires, wheels, struts and shocks. Your vehicle's suspension system is designed to give you a smooth ride, even over potholes and bumps. Over time, the shocks, springs and stuts become less resilient, making the ride rough and the steering less responsive. Striking large potholes can also cause damage to your wheels, tires and undercarriage. Usually the first indication of pothole damage is in the alignment and shock absorbers.
Signs to look out for include:
- Does the steering wander or pull to the left or right
- Does the vehicle bounce excessively on bumps or rough roads
- Does the vehicle vibrate at highway speeds
- Does the vehicle bottoms out on bumps
- Look for dents around the wheel or bulging in the sidewall of the tires
Not all problems show up immediately.
Some pothole damage shows up immediately, like a punctured tire, some problems are cumulative, such as misalignment and steering system wear. Proper wheel alignment is important to prevent premature tire wear and maintain safe handling of the vehicle. Having your undercarriage inspected each time the vehicle is serviced will keep your vehicle safe for years to come.
Action Automotive is ready to help with all of your automotive needs, call or schedule an appointment today.
Look for the money saving coupon below!
Report a Pothole, call VDOT 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623) | 
