You’ve probably seen one if you’ve been driving around Bucks County for a while — a pit in the center of the road that seems like it may swallow your car whole; potholes are more than a simple annoyance. They are potentially dangerous and can cause considerable damage to your vehicle if you’re unaware of their impact.
Origins
The way potholes are made is really straightforward:
- First, the road’s surface develops cracks as a result of normal wear and tear.
- Rain, ice, and snow all get into the cracks.
- The water in the cracks freezes in the winter. Water expands when it freezes, forcing the fractures apart and widening them.
- The ice melts and thaws, allowing additional water to enter the crevices.
A pothole that started as a little crack might grow into a big hole in the road after several cycles of freezing and thawing. Potholes occur more quickly as a result of cars and trucks. They can press the cracks apart and cause the pothole to grow faster due to the wear they create as they drive over the same section of the road.
They’ll ultimately appear if the road begins to break. Filling cracks so water cannot get inside is the only method to prevent a pothole from developing or to repair one that has already formed.
Dangers
Of course, a pothole in the road isn’t very hazardous in and of itself, but the problem is that most drivers are unprepared for them. It’s generally a surprise when you strike one, and surprises while driving are usually not a great mix. When they encounter a pothole, many drivers panic and slam on the brakes or turn abruptly. If you’re not careful, this can lead to some serious accidents to not only you, but anyone else on the vehicle.
Potholes, as expected, can cause harm to your automobile on their own. If you strike a pothole while driving, you may have a variety of problems, including:
- Tires that are flat or damaged
- Wheels that are cracked or twisted
- Wheel misalignment
- Damage to the suspension system
- Damage to the body panels
- Problems with the engine and exhaust
If you recently hit a nasty pothole, you’re not alone! The team at Fletcher’s Garage is here to perform a free exam on your car so you can safely get back on the road.