Spring is here, and the weather in Northern Colorado is quickly warming up! While this is great news for those of us who love to spend time outdoors in the Colorado sunshine, springtime tends to bring an uninvited guest to our streets – potholes.
Did you know that spring is known as “pothole season?” Potholes are formed when water seeps into cracks in the asphalt, where the water then expands and contracts due to extreme changes in temperature. This freezing and thawing cycle happens over and over again, causing potholes to form.
Not only are potholes inconvenient, but they can cause damage to your vehicle if you happen to hit one. According to a survey conducted by AAA, over 40 million American drivers had to repair their vehicles due to pothole-related damage in 2022.
While it is inevitable that you’ll come across potholes as you drive this spring, there are a few habits that you can develop to either prevent or minimize damage to your vehicle when you do encounter a pothole.
Drive carefully and be alert, so you have time to avoid potholes in the road before it’s too late.
If you’re able to do so without posing a risk to other drivers or pedestrians, go around the pothole. It’s always safest to avoid hitting potholes altogether! If you’re unable to go around the pothole, slow down and go over the pothole carefully to avoid damage to your vehicle.
Don’t drive over puddles!
Puddles in the road may appear to be shallow, but they can sometimes be potholes in disguise! Avoid damage to your vehicle by avoiding puddles – no matter how innocent looking these may appear – while you drive.
Check your tire pressure often, and maintain the recommended pressure for your tires.
Your vehicle’s tires can offer the best protection against potholes. However, over-inflated or under-inflated tires are more likely to be damaged if you hit a pothole.
Schedule an alignment for your vehicle.
Aligning your vehicle properly will ensure that your tires perform properly and last a long time. If you notice uneven wear on your tires or that your vehicle pulls to one side while you drive, you’re likely dealing with poor alignment.
Get your vehicle’s suspension checked.
Potholes or other bumps in the road can cause damage to your vehicle if your vehicle’s suspension is not in proper condition.
If you come across a pothole, report it to the Pothole Patrol Hotline!
Within the City of Fort Collins, potholes can be reported by calling 970-221-6614. By reporting potholes that you see, you can help keep our roads safe for other drivers!
Here at Houska Automotive, your safety is our top priority. Are your vehicle’s tires, alignment, or shocks in good condition? If you’re not sure, call our team at 970-821-8654 to schedule an appointment today and we’ll give you an honest evaluation and suggest options. If you’ve already experienced vehicle damage from a pothole, our team is dedicated to getting you back on the road as quickly as possible.