In South Africa, we frequently hear how potholes can affect cars by destroying tyres and damaging car parts such as the suspension. In the USA alone, pothole damage costs motorists an average of USD 3 billion a year.1
Let’s consider the positive aspect about learning how to avoid driving into potholes.
Don’t drive through puddles
A recent rain shower can fill up potholes quickly, making it impossible for a driver to estimate its depth. If you have no choice, drive slowly through a large pothole, as you cannot see what lies below the water. 1
What to do if your car has just struck a pothole
If your car has hit a pothole, stay calm and pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are on the freeway, be careful how you change lanes to find your safe parking spot. Once you’ve stopped, safely get out of the car, and look for any possible damage. 1
Be careful when driving on unknown roads
You are familiar with many roads near where you live but use extra caution when driving along any new routes. Maintain a slow speed so that you can spot potholes in time. A slower pace allows you enough time to react and will reduce damage should you hit a pothole. 1
Beware of shady spots on the road
Especially in urban areas, trees line roads and cast shadows during the day. Be on your guard when approaching shady spots on the road, as they could be hiding potholes. 1
Avoid tailgating
Travelling closely behind a car will reduce the chances of spotting a pothole in time. Keeping a safe, three-second following distance will allow you to take evasive action. The faster you travel, the greater your following distance should be. 1
Are you looking after your car?
How often do we check the tyre pressures including that of the spare tyre? Compared to inflated tyres, underinflated tyres may not survive the impact of hitting a pothole and damage the wheel rim, suspension, and shock absorbers. An underinflated tyre striking a pothole could even cause a blowout. An overinflated tyre won’t absorb the impact of hitting a pothole. Make sure your car’s shock absorbers are in good condition. 1
Driving in the dark
Avoid driving in the dark, if possible, as detecting potholes in poor light is difficult. But, if you have no choice, travel slower than usual, especially when it’s raining. 1
What do you do if you are about to hit a pothole?
To avoid damage, don’t brake just before striking a pothole. In addition, hold the steering wheel tightly when a tyre hits the pothole and so maintain control of your car. 1
Disclaimer
The point of this article is to show the public how to avoid driving into potholes. 1
Should you damage your car by hitting a pothole, is your car cover adequate? We can assist you at PMD with our affordable car insurance products if you need more information. Experience our world-class client service while we show you our products’ unique benefits, such as fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
Contact a certified financial advisor for professional advice to enable you to buy a suitable financial services product.
Source:
1https://pressroom.toyota.com/six-tips-for-avoiding-pesky-pothole-damage-while-driving/
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
