Potholes are just one of many common hazards that people face while driving on their daily routes. Most will try to avoid potholes as much as possible, but will eventually end up hitting a big hole which is just unavoidable. While some are just trying to avoid potholes because of the jarring pothole that occurs, others realize the serious problems that can come from hitting a pothole. It is important to understand pothole damage and wheel alignment, as potholes can cause serious problems that will require repairs.
The pothole problem
Potholes are an incredible nuisance, but they can actually cause serious damage to your vehicle. All problems are caused by the way the pothole forces your vehicle to move, as only one of the four tires on your vehicle will sink into the pothole at any given time. Even though your car wants to shift all the way to the side the pothole hit, the front (or rear) tire not on the pothole prevents it from doing so. This means that the parts that focus on the alignment of the tire going into the pothole will bend and shift to compensate.
This shift and curve can cause a host of problems for your vehicle, all stemming from your vehicle’s wheel alignment. When tires and the various parts that keep them in alignment move, they come off and become misaligned. A small wheel alignment problem can go unnoticed for a long time; except for the tremor you’ll feel while driving. Eventually, serious problems will arise from that initial misalignment.
Traction
If pothole damage to your vehicle manages to damage or move the wheel, your wheel alignment will be off in terms of steering. If you feel your vehicle moving from side to side while driving, the wheels are off. This can make driving and steering a bit difficult as you have to constantly correct the way your vehicle shifts on the road.
tires
Problems with wheel alignment can cause uneven tire wear, as the jolt of a pothole can upset the curves of the alignment system. When camber is damaged, the wheel will lean to one side or the other. The result is uneven tire wear and your vehicle’s suspension will suffer.
toecap
The dropout is the third part of your vehicle’s wheel alignment system. When you hit a pothole, your vehicle’s toe can turn in (positive toe) or out (negative toe). This can cause the same uneven tire wear as camber problems, and can also cause steering problems when the wheel is off.
Initial problems caused by pothole damage and wheel alignment are small – you will notice a change in ride and steering and you may notice some jerking. Tire wear and suspension wear take time to show up, but will result in the need to replace a part.