(NC) From damaged rims to punctured tires, potholes can have a disastrous effect on vehicles. Fortunately, most of this damage is avoidable by adopting certain driving habits.
Here, the experts at OK Tire share some preventative tips and tricks for staying safe on the road while avoiding unforeseen spring expenses:
Prevent the blow. The risk of serious damage is significantly reduced when tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Unsure of how often to check your tire pressure? On average, tires lose one PSI every month after being filled up, so checking once a month is a good place to start.
Keep your eyes open. Take a hint from other vehicles and watch for behaviour that signals what’s up ahead. If cars are slowing down or consistently moving around an object, be prepared to do the same. Keep your eyes peeled and follow their lead.
Avoid jumping on the brakes. It’s a natural reflex to break when a pothole appears unexpectedly. However, if you can’t avoid it by safely changing lanes, it’s best to slow down and move smoothly over the hole. Braking aggressively while driving into a pothole is a surefire way to damage the struts in your suspension system.
When all else fails, drive squarely over. When it’s impossible to go around the hole, it’s better to centre it between your wheels and drive squarely over. If the pothole is directly beneath the vehicle’s body, your tires will avoid dipping into the crevice.
Change your tires. When temperatures consistently hit 7°C, make sure you switch to all-season tires so that you’re not wearing out your winter ones prematurely. Pothole season usually accompanies the start of the warmer weather. Need new tires? Blackhawk tires are known for their durability, strength, ability to grip the pavement, and agility in roadhandling. Best of all, they’re affordable and won’t break the bank.
Often overlooked. Regular tuneups and maintenance are essential. Ensure all vehicle components are functioning correctly with a periodic checkup by a certified technician. A vehicle with good working brakes, suspension and steering systems will allow you to react more effectively to any road hazards.