Driving on the crowded roadways of Collingswood, NJ can be challenging, particularly in the winter. One of the biggest threats comes not from snow or ice but from potholes that form as temperatures fluctuate. Winter potholes are notorious for damaging vehicles, leading to costly repairs if not promptly addressed. This article explores why potholes are especially hazardous during winter and the types of damage they can cause to your car. Understanding the risks and knowing what to do after encountering a pothole can help you protect your vehicle this season.
Key Takeaways
- Winter potholes form due to freezing and thawing cycles, which weaken road surfaces as moisture expands and cracks the pavement.
- Snow and ice conceal potholes, and slippery roads make it harder to avoid them. Additionally, road wear from salt and snow plows worsens the damage, leading to more severe potholes.
- Potholes can cause tire and wheel damage, misalignment, suspension and exhaust issues, and underbody and frame dents that may rust if exposed to winter road salt.
- Inspect your car for visible damage, check alignment, listen for unusual sounds, and monitor tire pressure to catch potential leaks early.
Why Do Winter Potholes Form?
Potholes form due to a combination of moisture, freezing temperatures, and traffic. When water seeps into the cracks in the road, it expands as it freezes, causing the pavement to weaken. As vehicles pass over these weakened spots, the pavement starts to break apart, forming a pothole. Winter weather in New Jersey worsens this process due to frequent freezing and thawing cycles, making potholes more prevalent and hazardous.
Why are Winter Potholes More Dangerous?
Winter potholes pose a greater risk than those you can spot on the streets during the summer months. Here are some reasons why:
- Limited Visibility: Snow and ice often conceal potholes, making them harder to see and avoid. This lack of visibility can catch drivers off guard, increasing the likelihood of an impact.
- Road Slipperiness: Snow and ice make roads slippery, so even if a driver sees a pothole, it may be challenging to swerve or slow down safely without losing control.
- Increased Road Wear: Roads in Collingswood experience heavy wear from salt and snow plows in winter, which exacerbates existing cracks and weak spots, leading to deeper and wider potholes.
Types of Car Damage Caused by Winter Potholes
Some potholes are shallow and won’t cause a lot of damage upon impact, but there are others that are truly deep and dangerous. Colliding with a deep pothole can cause several types of damage, including:
Tire and Wheel Damage
Potholes can cause immediate damage to your tires and wheels. Hitting one may cause your tire to lose air pressure or even create sidewall bulges, leading to blowouts if not addressed. Additionally, the impact can puncture or slice through the rubber, requiring a replacement. For alloy wheels, which are especially susceptible to cracking or bending upon impact, hitting a pothole could mean costly repairs or full replacement. Bent wheels, in particular, may affect handling, reducing safety and comfort.
Suspension System Issues
Your suspension system is designed to absorb shock, but winter potholes can push its limits. A direct hit from a pothole can damage or misalign critical suspension components like shocks, struts, and control arms. Misaligned suspension parts can impact vehicle stability, creating a bumpy, uncomfortable ride and affecting your car’s ability to absorb shocks. Additionally, if the damage is left unchecked, it can lead to increased wear on other suspension parts, compounding repair costs down the line.
Steering Alignment Problems
Frequent or significant pothole encounters can lead to steering misalignment. This misalignment causes your wheels to be slightly off-center, leading the vehicle to pull to one side. Beyond making your vehicle harder to handle, a misaligned steering system causes uneven tire wear, which decreases tire life, reduces fuel efficiency, and diminishes safety. Misalignment can make your car feel unstable and, in winter conditions, this can be particularly dangerous.
Exhaust System Damage
Deep potholes can cause your vehicle to scrape or bottom out, particularly impacting the exhaust system, which runs beneath the car. If the exhaust pipe or muffler is struck, it can be punctured or damaged, leading to leaks, increased emissions, and reduced efficiency. Damage to hangers or other components may cause rattling sounds, signaling that parts are loose. Over time, exhaust damage can lead to costly repairs and even safety hazards if exhaust fumes are allowed to enter the cabin.
Body and Frame Damage
The underbody of your car is especially vulnerable to pothole-related damage. Large potholes can dent, crack, or scrape parts of your car’s undercarriage, including the bumper, side skirts, and fenders. These areas are susceptible to rust if they’re exposed to salt and moisture on winter roads, which can weaken the frame and make repairs more extensive. For vehicles that frequently encounter potholes, the cumulative impact on the frame can affect the structural integrity of the car, potentially making it unsafe in the long run.
What to Do if You Hit a Winter Pothole
Although you can’t avoid every pothole on the road, the best thing to do is to try to go around the ones you can. If you do hit one, here are some steps you can take to minimize damage and potentially ward off costly repairs:
- Check for Visible Damage: Once you’re safely parked, inspect your tires, wheels, and underbody for visible damage. Look for tire bulges, cracks, or low pressure, as these are signs of immediate damage.
- Pay Attention to Alignment Issues: If your vehicle starts pulling to one side or your steering feels off-center, it’s likely that your alignment was affected. Getting an alignment check promptly can prevent further issues.
- Listen for Unusual Sounds: Strange noises coming from the underbody, such as scraping or rattling, might indicate damage to the exhaust system or suspension components. These noises are often signs that a component needs immediate attention.
- Monitor the Tire Pressure: Pothole impacts can cause slow leaks, so be sure to monitor your tire pressure over the next few days. Keep an eye on your tire pressure indicator if your car has one, or manually check the pressure.
Looking for a Collision Repair Center in Collingswood, NJ?
Winter potholes are a serious hazard that can cause significant damage to your vehicle if left unaddressed. If you have damages from a pothole, be sure to get them repaired before the damage grows even more severe. In the event you get into a collision—whether due to the pothole or not—Elmer’s Auto Body can help you get your vehicle back on the road. Call one of our three South Jersey locations today.