Why Spring is Harder on Your Vehicle than Winter
Winter gets a lot of blame for beating up vehicles, but realistically, spring is often the culprit and the time when most of the damaging hazards show up. In fact, spring can be one of the busiest times at Houska Automotive in Fort Collins. We see a lot of need for alignments and suspension repairs and there’s good reason why. After months of freezing winter temperatures, snow and ice, roads start to thaw. That’s when potholes open, pavement shifts, and suspension problems that started in winter suddenly become impossible to ignore.
Spring is pothole season
During the winter, moisture seeps into cracks in the pavement. When temperatures drop, that moisture freezes and expands, causing the road to weaken from the inside out. When spring’s warmer months arrive, any ice melts, the ground shifts and chunks of asphalt break, forming potholes. Drivers in Northern Colorado suddenly find themselves navigating what feels like an obstacle course, often having a hard time avoiding the deep holes.
Damage isn’t always obvious
Unfortunately, even one hard hit into a pothole can knock your vehicle’s suspension out of alignment, and even a slightly misaligned vehicle can cause trouble.
If you’ve hit a pothole and your vehicle now seems unsteady here are signs that you need to get it looked at:
- The vehicle pulls to one side
- The steering wheel isn’t centered
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- The vehicle feels less stable at higher speeds
If any of these signs go unnoticed, you may be in for some costly repairs.
Spring is the time for a suspension and alignment check
If your vehicle feels different than it did a couple of months ago, it’s worth getting it checked out. Spring driving is harder on your vehicle than you might think, but a simple inspection can prevent bigger problems later. Plus, spring is a good time to address any issues, before you go on any summer road trips. Our team at Houska Automotive in Fort Collins can help make sure your vehicle is in good shape and prepared to take you on the road safely and smoothly. Check out our steering & suspension services and then schedule an appointment.