Are Potholes The Devil's Work? Yes!

Driving down the road by my house requires Formula1 skills in order to navigate the cavernous potholes that threaten to violently destroy my car. All drivers know that there's at least one point every year when you throw your hands up in the air and ask "What did I do to deserve these nightmare potholes?"

Am I being overdramatic? Consider the following; a spokesperson from AAA estimates that motorists will spend about $5 billion on car repairs from pothole damages. That's Billion with a "B."

What kinds of things can happen to your car as a result of potholes? Here are some examples:

• rim and tire damage
• alignment issues
• suspension damage
• steering systems damage
• body & cosmetic damage

How can you tell if you've hit a pothole? Your car will definitely let you know, probably with a sudden and terrifying thud that throws you around in your seat. It's important to assess the damage as quickly as possible since some of the damage done to your car can greatly impair your ability to drive safely. Here are some things to do:

• If possible, pull over to a safe area where you can take a look at your wheels and tires for any visible damage. If you do notice any significant damage, your safest bet is to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for inspection.
• Take note of any changes in how the car drives, specifically the steering and suspension. If the vehicle is not as responsive when you turn the steering wheel as before, bring it to a professional auto technician immediately, and have it towed there if possible as a steering issue is a major safety hazard. If the vehicle shows signs of responding differently to bumps, or bouncing excessively then you may have suspension issues and need to have it looked at.
• If the vehicle is pulling to one direction after hitting a pothole, then you may have an alignment issue. These are a very common result of pothole damage and keep companies that produce expensive alignment machines in business.

Bonus tip: Another thing you may want to consider is contacting the city or state to report where you damaged your vehicle. Many cities have toll-free hotlines where you can report potholes. If possible, take a photograph of the pothole and vehicle damage to document what happened and you may be able to seek reimbursement from the city. Cities and states will have their own rules, but it's certainly worth looking into if your vehicle has been affected by an inability to maintain safe road conditions.