Why You Should Avoid Potholes in Bedford, VA
Why You Should Avoid Potholes
Why You Should Steer Clear of Potholes
Have you ever hit a pothole so hard it felt like your car would fall apart?
Potholes are annoying little craters just waiting to mess up your tires, rims, and alignment. You don’t want to experience having to spend so much on repairs.
Reasons to Avoid Potholes
Next time you’re cruising and spot one of those potholes, do your Ford a favor and steer clear. The five listed here are enough reasons why:
- Suspension Damage When you hit a pothole, the jolt sends shockwaves through your suspension. The rattling can lead to all sorts of problems, such as worn-out shock absorbers and wheel alignment issues. That constant bouncing around can seriously affect your ride quality over time. As those potholes keep coming, crucial parts like ball joints and control arms start to wear down. You may notice your steering feeling loose, and your car may not handle as well as it used to. If your wheels are wearing unevenly or if your steering starts to feel unresponsive, it can become a real safety issue. In severe cases, hitting a nasty pothole can bend or crack vital components like control arms or steering knuckles.
- Personal Injury Potholes can also be a serious threat to your personal safety on the road. When you hit one, that sudden jolt can throw you off balance and make keeping your grip on the wheel tough. If you’re not careful, you could end up swerving into another lane or worse. That unexpected bump can make you and your passengers feel dizzy or disoriented. If you’re not bracing yourself, this can lead to injuries. Your sudden loss of control can also become hazardous to pedestrians and other motorists.
- Wheel Damage Another big risk is damage to your tires and wheels. When your tire slams into a pothole, it can break the sidewall, causing a sudden air leak. More than a hassle, it’s a serious safety hazard. Potholes can also throw your wheels out of alignment, leading to uneven tire wear and reduced grip on the pavement. When your tires aren’t making proper contact with the road, it can feel like you’re driving on ice, making your ride way less safe and predictable. And let’s not forget about the rims. The impact from a pothole can bend, crack, or dent your rims, which can cause slow leaks or even lead to complete tire failure. If you find yourself dealing with severe damage, you might have to make an unexpected trip for a tire service.
- Exhaust System Damage Potholes can also do a number on your Ford’s exhaust system. Since it’s one of the lowest parts of your car, the exhaust is vulnerable when you hit a pothole. The impact can dent or crack parts of the exhaust pipe, muffler, or catalytic converter out of place. It can mess with your fuel efficiency, make your exhaust way louder than it should be, and even let fumes sneak into your cabin. If the damage is severe enough, you could be looking at some serious downtime for repairs. And a busted exhaust can lead to even bigger problems down the road, like engine trouble or failed emissions tests.
- Repair Expenses Damage from potholes can hit your wallet hard when it comes to repairs. It can affect a bunch of different parts on your Ford, and fixing those can get pricey in a hurry. For instance, a tire hitting a pothole might only be the start. If you don’t catch it early, that can lead to even bigger issues down the line, like a full-on blowout. Regular maintenance can help you spot potential problems before they spiral out of control, but potholes can be sneaky. You might not even see the damage until it’s too late, and suddenly, you’re facing a hefty repair bill.
Visit Berglund Ford of Bedford to Have Your Car Inspected
If you’ve taken a hit from passing a pothole and need some help, the crew at Berglund Ford of Bedford in Bedford, VA, has got your back. Our top-notch technicians are ready to get your ride looking and driving like new again. Whether it’s a minor dent or a major overhaul, we have the skills and the tools to make the repairs. Schedule your visit at our service center today.