Potholes Ahead

AAA Mid States

Potholes can wreak havoc on your car’s tires, wheels, shocks and struts, tie rods, ball joints, control arms … and the list goes on. They can put a big hole in your wallet, as well. Pothole-related auto repair costs average $306, but some unfortunate drivers wind up paying more than $1,000 to fix the damage.

Hitting a pothole – or taking the wrong measures to avoid one – can also lead to a crash resulting in injuries or worse. A blown tire or broken suspension part can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, as can a split-second decision to stomp on the brakes or suddenly swerve out of your lane to avoid a pothole.

The good news? Following a few simple recommendations can help protect you, your car, and your wallet from pothole damage. Make a habit of checking your tires for proper inflation. When behind the wheel, eliminate distractions and look ahead for roadway hazards. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and be wary of puddles that may conceal potholes. Check your surroundings for collision threats before attempting to dodge a pothole. If you cannot avoid one, slow down, but release the brakes and straighten the steering wheel just before impact to help minimize any damage.

Help solve the pothole problem. Potholes and other roadway concerns can be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD or by visiting penndot.gov and clicking on “Submit a Roadway Concern.”