Cliquez ici pour lire cet article en français

WATCH OUT FOR THAT POTHOLE!

Driving over potholes can cause damage to vehicles.  According to CAA the components that can be subjected to this damage include mufflers, wheel alignment, wheel rims/hubcaps, tires, suspension components and shock absorbers.  Below are some measures drivers can take to minimize the impact of these potholes. 

• Maintain full air pressure in all tires.  Improperly inflated tires may burst when they run over a deep pothole.
  
• Drive cautiously in areas where there are known potholes or on roads where you have seen damage in the past.
  
• Make mental notes.  As you drive back and forth on roads frequently traveled, make a mental note of the potholes.
  
• Try to avoid driving near the edge or the centre of the road, as these are locations where potholes usually develop.
  
• Be extra careful when the roads are wet, there may be a pothole under that puddle.
  
• Keep an eye on traffic patterns.  A number of vehicles that slow down or move quickly to other lanes might be a sign of potholes or road damage ahead.
  
• Ensure that your headlights are clean at all times.   This will help you see what’s ahead especially when driving at night.
  
• If you cannot avoid driving over a pothole, go slowly.  Hitting a pothole at high speed increases the chance of damage to your vehicle.
  

If a pothole hotline has been set up in your city, make sure to report any pothole and its location.  This will allow the city to repair the damage in a timely manner.

 

Sources:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2008/27/c6713.html
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/elmwoodpark/news/790059,el-potholes-021308-s1.article
http://www.soucyagency.com/mthlytips/052001.html
https://www.caasco.com/automotive/morebenefits/potholes.jsp
http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/automotive/302176/detail.html