Many of us eagerly await the arrival of spring every year. But once the spring showers wash away what’s left of winter, often we are left dodging potholes on the roads.
Potholes form as pavement ages and weathers. The pavement eventually begins to lose its ability to resist water, and small cracks start to appear. As water works its way down into the cracks and expands as it freezes, it pushes up on the pavement. The weight of cars and trucks can break up this uneven pavement, creating a pothole.
Hitting a pothole can easily ruin your beautiful spring day, not to mention your tires or wheels. The sharp impact caused by hitting a pothole can cause immediate tire or wheel failure. Or, internal damage could eventually lead to tire failure weeks or months later. Despite the dangers of potholes, there are measures you can take:
* Start with proper tire inflation. Keeping your tires properly inflated will help reduce damage from potholes and other road hazards.
* Check the tread on your tires, because uneven wear can be a sign of misalignment. Hitting potholes can affect your vehicle’s alignment. If you feel your car “pulling” to...