The Car Parts That Potholes Can Damage

February 18, 2020

You never saw it coming, but the sickening thump that happens when you go over a particularly bad pothole in Nashville, TN can put dollar signs in anyone’s eyes. How much is this going to cost—and what parts of the car might be affected? It’s estimated that every American with a car pays an average of $300 per year to remedy car problems caused by potholes.

If your property has potholes that are causing car damage in Nashville, TN, it’s time to address the root cause. RoadBuilders can help you repair and repave your asphalt and concrete driveways, parking lots and other paved areas that are causing harm.

Potholes form when the foundation beneath pavement weakens or cracks. This can result from extreme heat, water seeping into the pavement or even prior chips and cracks deteriorating further. The more people drive over the weakened areas, the more the pavement deteriorates.

Where potholes cause damage

Potholes don’t just damage paved surfaces—they also have serious negative effects on the vehicles that drive over them:

  • Suspension: Your car’s suspension is designed to create a smooth ride by absorbing the shock of running over objects or over potholes. There’s only so much it can take, however, and driving over potholes can bend the suspension, damage your shocks and joints as well as affect your ability to steer. If you go over a particularly large pothole, or notice that your car is handling differently than it used to, see a mechanic at once.
  • Tires: Tires are often damaged by going over potholes in Nashville, TN—they can cut the rubber, compress the tire up against the wheel or even break the belts. This is especially true if you have a car with low profile tires. In some cases, you might be able to repair the tires, but in general you’ll need to completely replace them.
  • Wheels: Potholes are notorious for bending or breaking wheels, and can affect whether the tire is able to form an airtight seal with the wheel. After going over a pothole, thoroughly clean your wheels and look for chips or cracks.
  • Body: If your car is low to the ground, it’s far more likely to suffer body damage after encountering a pothole. Bumpers and side skirts are particularly prone to scratches and scrapes. This damage is usually only cosmetic, but most drivers would prefer to avoid it whenever possible.
  • Exhaust: Finally, your exhaust system can take a beating from running over potholes, whether it’s scraping holes in the muffler or causing pipes to crack or break. Be sure to give your entire car a thorough once-over after encountering a pothole.

Avoid potholes and car damage in Nashville, TN

Private roadways, parking lots and more—your car needs smooth, even surfaces to drive upon or you risk damaging one of your most expensive investments. No matter how big or small your paving project, the team at RoadBuilders has the expertise and tools necessary to get the job done. We offer a full range of paving and repair options, plus a guarantee that we’ll finish on time and on budget. Call us today for an estimate and to discuss your next project.

Categorised in:

RoadBuilders