Are Potholes Really Harming Your Vehicle? | Houston, TX

When we see potholes on the road, we often try to avoid them. Unfortunately, we can’t miss them all, and most of us wince at the sound when we do hit one. At Fred Haas Toyota Country in Houston, we want to inform our Spring, The Woodlands, Tomball, and Cypress, TX, customers of why potholes can do more damage than you may think.

What Are Potholes, and Where’d They Come From?

The Texas roads you drive on daily experience all kinds of weather, and when moisture gets involved, it seeps into the cracks in the pavement. During colder weather, that moisture expands, leading to the collapse of the pavement. This process is what creates the potholes we are all accustomed to avoiding on the road.

When we do hit potholes–especially at an increased speed–this can affect several components in your vehicle, including your tires, wheels, suspension, and alignment.

While some impacts, like blown tires and scratched wheels, may be immediately obvious, drivers may not notice vehicle damage from a pothole right away. If you’ve recently hit a pothole, keep an eye out for the following signs:

• Feeling vibrations while driving
• Uneven tire wear
• The vehicle is pulling to one side
• Knocking sounds while driving
• The steering wheel seems off-center

If you notice any of the above occurring in your car, truck, or SUV, schedule an appointment with the Fred Haas Toyota Country service team.

While we can’t always avoid every pothole, we can take extra precautions when we’re traveling throughout Texas. 

• Slow down on roads with rougher pavement
• Keep your tires properly inflated
• Avoid puddles when possible, as they can hide deeper holes
• Keep your vehicle up-to-date on inspections

Our technicians at the Toyota dealer near you can inspect every part of your vehicle, from suspension to tire health. Scheduling a quick inspection now can help our Houston customers avoid bigger issues later. Call us with any questions or to schedule your service at (281) 738-1690, and visit us at 22435 SH-249, Houston, TX 77070. We also offer service and parts financing to help our Texas customers get serviced now and pay over time!