Potholes are spreading like a nasty cold virus right now, and too many motorists don’t realize that those jarring thuds are likely causing trouble that left unchecked can seriously damage your vehicle.

“If you think the only sign of damage after hitting a pothole is a flat tire, you’re wrong,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, which provides consumer reviews on local service companies including auto repair shops. “Tires are common pothole victims, but hitting those holes delivers a shock to your whole car.”

Once you hear that enormous thud from a hole in the pavement, it’s time to look for signs of damage and get problems taken care of quickly, Hicks said. “Otherwise, you could be bringing on more significant trouble that could actually make your vehicle unsafe to drive.”

Signs your vehicle has pothole damage:
Low pressure: Tires are the critical safety connection between you and the road, and tires must maintain optimum pressure to ensure proper operation. Hitting potholes can lessen tire pressure. Routinely check tire pressure and signs of imminent problems like bulges or blisters on the sides or your tires. Spots of rust on tire rims may signal that your rims have been bent, which will lead to pressure leaks.

That’s out of line: If you vehicle pulls to one side when you’re trying to drive straight ahead, your alignment has likely been jolted out of whack. Proper wheel alignment is important for the lifespan of tires. It also ensures safe handling of the vehicle.

Out of control: If you feel your car swaying or rocking during turns, bouncing quite a bit or if you bottom out on the road after hitting a few potholes, you’ve probably got shock absorber and suspension damage. Your car’s suspension system is designed to give you a smooth ride. When you strike a pothole, especially at highway speeds, the entire shock absorption system is jolted immediately. Over time, the springs in the shock absorbers become less resilient, leading to a rougher ride and less responsive steering.

“If you suspect anything is wrong with your car after you’ve hit a hole in the road, get it checked out by a reliable mechanic soon,” says Hicks. “You’ll save money and time and gain a lot of confidence in the reliability of your vehicle.”

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