6 Car Parts that Potholes Can Damage

No matter what road you are driving on and no matter what country you are in, potholes are a common problem and well, most of the times, they are inevitable. Especially in the spring or summer season, these potholes become a bigger problem because there is no ice or snow on the roads to cover them. When the ice melts away, these holes are exposed, and your car and various parts of it are at a higher risk of getting damaged.

The worst of all is that you will come across several potholes during your commute, and no matter what you do, you are bound to hit one eventually. These holes can literally wreak havoc on your car, which is why it is essential to know the parts that you are supposed to check after you hit one.

Some of you might be wondering how potholes are formed. Are they the consequences of low-quality work, substandard material or anything else? PitStopArabia assures you that potholes are perfectly natural. They can be seen even in the most advanced countries in the world. Potholes are formed when the soil beneath the road begins to give way. Potholes can widen over time due to the increased pressure from traffic and further soil disbursement.

Now, here are the six car parts that need proper investigation after you hit a pothole.

Tie Rod Ends

For those who do not know, there are some small ball joints that connect your wheel to your power steering gear and these balls are known as tie rod ends. If you hit a major pothole, the chances are that these tie rod ends will be damaged as they are more susceptible to wear and tear.

Two things can happen to the tie rod end, first is that it can bend a little, second is that it can become loose and in the worst-case scenario, it can come apart, and in this case, you will need to call a tow truck. Keep in mind that continuously driving over even minor potholes can cause the same amount of damage as a bigger pothole.

Tyres

Flats, tread separation and sidewall bulges, your tires can experience all of these and any of these when you hit a significant pothole. Why? It is quite simple and straightforward. The vehicle’s tires are the central part of the car that is in contact with the road directly. What happens is that the potholes usually have sharp and hard edges and these edges then compress the tire against the wheel due to all the impact.

All of this then results in flats and sometimes even the belts snap. Especially if your car has low profile tires, it would be better to take your vehicle to a tire specialist because the damage, in this case, can be severe. Even high profile tires are susceptible to damage from potholes.

The Control Arm

The impact of a porthole can easily bend the control arm; this can then affect how your steering wheel reacts. You will not be able to see any visible difference with the control arm, but with time, your tyres will start wearing unevenly. The control arm is often referred to as the A-arm. Therefore, do not think that these are two different components.

Exhaust

The exhaust pipes are the perfect target for potholes because they run with the undercarriage of the car. You would not like the idea of a dented exhaust pipe or only a hole in the pipe, right? Well, if yes then you should take your car for inspection right when you hit one.

When there is a hole in the exhaust pipes, you might experience some very unpleasant noises, and sometimes you will even experience a complete loss of power. The exhausts are quite susceptible to damage because of their location. Apart from this, the potholes can also damage the catalytic converter and not mention the body damage.

Body Damage

There are some cars which sit lower to the ground than others. Even cars which are raised can be lowered by lowering the car's suspension. While often it is done for performance enhancements, lower suspension cars do have their drawbacks. It has been discussed in ample detail in a separate article.

Apart from that, one significant drawback of lowered cars is that they are at risk of body damage when hitting a pothole. The car’s bumpers are usually scrapped when driving over a pothole. In some scenarios, you will end up with scrapped paint. In others, you will likely need to get the bumper repaired.

Suspension

The suspension of your car is responsible for giving you a smooth and precise drive, but there is always a limit to the number of jerks and impacts that your car's suspension can absorb. Consistently hitting potholes whether a major or minor can put a negative effect on the suspension and you will end up with misalignment or broken ball joints, and in some cases, you might even experience damaged shocks.

One way to recognize a broken or damaged suspension is that the car will start pulling to one direction. Moreover, your vehicle will not smoothly glide over the many abnormalities in the road. Whenever you start experiencing this, consult your mechanic right away. A bad suspension can cause damage to the other body parts too. Hence, have it repaired right away.

Final Words

These are the six main car parts that can be damaged by potholes, so the wiser thing to do is to take your car for regular inspection because as said earlier, these potholes are everywhere. Primarily for safety purposes and to avoid accidents, it is better to get your vehicle checked and ensure that all these parts in perfect condition, just the way they are supposed to be.

Moreover, report the potholes to the relevant authorities. You might end up saving a few lives through this gesture. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has provided a toll free number '800 88889’ to report any damages. Lastly, let us know what you think about the article. Leave your suggestions on how to improve the content or any other valuable feedback. We will surely incorporate your recommendations into our content. Thank You!