How do potholes damage vehicle tires?
Potholes are more than just a bump in the pavement; they can also cause damage to your car. Taking a proactive approach by repairing potholes in your parking lot is key to avoiding problems. On the other hand, not scheduling repairs can increase the risk of pothole tire damage. An asphalt paving and repair company can easily repair these damaged areas to ensure your parking lot stays well-maintained.
What is a Pothole?
A pothole is a type of defect that you often encounter on roads or parking lots. It’s a hole that forms, usually as a result of water seeping into the soil beneath the pavement and causing it to erode. This process is exacerbated by the weight and pressure of vehicles passing over the weakened spot.
Over time, the top layer of asphalt or concrete begins to crack and eventually gives way, creating a pothole. Potholes can vary in size and depth, but all have the potential to damage vehicles’ tires and other parts if not promptly repaired.
The Impact of Hitting Potholes: A Closer Look at Tire Damage
Hitting a pothole might seem like a small event, but the impact can be significant. Once a vehicle’s tire hits a pothole, it’s not just an uncomfortable jolt for the driver and passengers. The abrupt force exerted on the tire and wheel can cause damage.
One of the most immediate and visible signs of pothole tire damage is a flat tire. This can be caused by either a puncture from the rough edges of the pothole or by the tire pinching against the wheel on impact.
In addition to causing flat tires, hitting a pothole can damage the sidewalls of your tires, leading to increased tire wear. The damage isn’t always immediately visible, but over time, it can cause the tire to fail prematurely.
Similarly, the impact of hitting a pothole can cause bent rims. Once a rim is bent, it can lead to an air leak and a loss of tire pressure. A bent rim not only puts your tires at risk but also reduces your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and performance.
Potholes Can Damage More Than Tires
Damage from potholes can extend beyond the tires to other parts of your vehicle. A significant hit on a pothole can damage your car’s suspension system, causing issues with the steering wheel and vehicle alignment. Damage to the suspension system can lead to unsafe driving conditions and increase your repair costs in the long run.
Repeated exposure to potholes can even affect the vehicle’s exhaust system, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Remaining proactive by investing in parking lot maintenance services is key to taking care of potholes before they cause a wide range of problems for your visitors.
The Role of Tire Pressure and Proper Inflation
It’s important to note that tire pressure can play a significant role in the extent of pothole tire damage. A properly inflated tire can often withstand hits from potholes better than one that’s under- or over-inflated. The right tire pressure allows the tire to spring back to its original shape after the impact, reducing the chances of severe damage or the need to file a claim with your insurance provider.
How to Avoid Pothole Damage
The best way to avoid pothole damage is through parking lot maintenance. If you manage a commercial property, hiring an asphalt paving company for regular inspections and timely repairs can make all the difference. These companies specialize in identifying and fixing potential issues before a vehicle hits a pothole, reducing the risk of damage to your vehicle or your clients’ cars.
Why Hire Professionals to Repair Potholes?
Pothole repair might appear to be an easy do-it-yourself task on the surface, but it is a job best left to professionals. Their expert knowledge, experience, and access to high-grade equipment and materials are key to taking care of these issues for a long-term fix.
These professionals can identify not just the visible damages but also the underlying issues that might have caused the pothole in the first place. Professional expertise helps prevent recurring issues, saving you from future inconveniences and unnecessary costs. Hiring professionals ensures that all repairs are performed safely and in accordance with the most recent safety standards, reducing potential liabilities.
Reach Out to ACPLM to Repair Pothole Tire Damage
ACPLM is committed to helping you maintain the best possible conditions for your parking lots. We understand the significance of preserving the integrity of your property and improving the safety of vehicles.
Whether it’s through regular inspections, minor patch-ups, or parking lot repairs, our team of experts is always ready to offer solutions to avoid pothole tire damage.
Reach out to ACPLM today to schedule a free consultation if you are dealing with any pothole tire damage.
