If you’ve ever noticed that potholes seem to multiply in the spring, you’re not imagining things. As winter fades and temperatures rise, roads take a beating, leaving behind cracked pavement, deep craters, and rough driving conditions. These potholes aren’t just annoying—they can cause serious damage to your vehicle, leading to expensive repairs for tires, suspension, and alignment.

Why do potholes worsen in the spring, and how can you avoid them to help protect your car and your wallet?

How Do Potholes Form

Potholes form due to a constant cycle of freezing, thawing, and water infiltration. During winter, moisture seeps into small cracks in the pavement. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, pushing the pavement upward. As the ice melts, it leaves behind gaps, and when cars drive over these weak spots, the asphalt breaks apart.

By the time spring arrives, roads are filled with weakened pavement, and the combination of rain, increased traffic, and fluctuating temperatures causes potholes to rapidly grow in size and depth.

Potholes and Car Damage

Hitting a pothole at the wrong speed or angle can result in immediate or long-term damage to multiple components of your car. Some of the most common issues include:

• Tire Blowouts and Sidewall Damage – The impact of a deep pothole can cause a flat tire or internal damage that leads to slow leaks.
• Bent or Cracked Rims – Alloy wheels are especially vulnerable to damage from potholes, which can cause visible bends or cracks that affect tire sealing.
• Misaligned Suspension and Steering – If your car starts pulling to one side after hitting a pothole, your alignment may be off, which can lead to uneven tire wear.
• Damaged Shocks and Struts – Repeated pothole impacts can wear out or break your suspension components, making your ride rougher and less stable.

How to Avoid Pothole Damage

While potholes can be hard to avoid, taking the right precautions can reduce the risk of expensive repairs.

1. Keep an Eye on the Road

Scan ahead while driving and look for pavement cracks or dark spots that indicate deep potholes. If you can safely steer around them, do so—but always check for nearby traffic before swerving.

2. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Underinflated or overinflated tires absorb pothole impacts poorly, increasing the chances of blowouts or rim damage. Check your tire pressure regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal protection.

3. Slow Down When Necessary

If a pothole is unavoidable, reduce your speed before hitting it. Braking suddenly can push more force onto the front tires, increasing the damage. Instead, gently roll through the pothole while keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel.

4. Avoid Puddles

What looks like a small puddle could be a deep pothole filled with water. Since you can’t judge the depth, it’s best to drive around standing water whenever possible.

5. Get Regular Wheel Alignments and Inspections

If you frequently drive on rough roads, potholes can gradually knock your wheels out of alignment. A misaligned vehicle can cause uneven tire wear and handling issues, so scheduling regular alignments helps keep everything in check.

Protect Your Car from Pothole Damage at Duffy’s Auto Service

Spring potholes aren’t just a minor inconvenience—they can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. If you’ve noticed vibrations, uneven tire wear, or pulling to one side after hitting a pothole, it’s best to have your car inspected before minor damage turns into a major issue.

Hit a pothole? Don’t ignore the damage! Get a full vehicle inspection at Duffy’s Auto Service to keep your car safe and running smoothly.