Pothole Season is Here: How to Protect Your Car’s Suspension

April 10th, 2025 by

Spring is here, and while warmer temperatures and blooming flowers are a welcome change, this season also brings one of the biggest road hazards—potholes. As winter thaws and roads expand, cracks and holes form, creating a rough ride for drivers. Potholes can do serious damage to your vehicle’s suspension, tires, and alignment. Here’s how you can protect your car and avoid costly repairs this spring.

How Potholes Damage Your Vehicle

Potholes may seem like just a minor nuisance, but they can cause:

  • Suspension and Shock Damage – Repeated pothole hits can wear out your shocks and struts, making your ride bumpier and reducing overall control. 
  • Wheel Alignment Issues – Hitting a pothole at high speed can knock your wheels out of alignment, leading to uneven tire wear and poor handling. 
  • Tire and Rim Damage – The sudden impact from a deep pothole can cause tire blowouts or bend your rims, requiring expensive replacements. 

How to Protect Your Car from Pothole Damage

  1. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
    Properly inflated tires absorb impact better and reduce the risk of blowouts. Look at your owner’s manual for the correct PSI. 
  2. Drive Cautiously and Stay Alert
    Keep an eye on the road ahead and avoid puddles that could be hiding deep potholes. Slow down in areas where road damage is common. 
  3. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
    If you’re too close to the car in front, you might not see a pothole in time to avoid it. Keeping a safe distance gives you more reaction time. 
  4. Get Your Alignment Checked
    If you notice your car pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, you may have an alignment issue. Getting it checked early can prevent further suspension damage. 
  5. Visit a Trusted Mechanic for Inspections
    If you hit a large pothole and hear strange noises or feel a difference in your ride, have a professional inspect your suspension and wheels to ensure everything is in good shape. 

Schedule a Suspension Check at Team Toyota

Don’t let potholes ruin your spring driving experience. If you’ve recently hit a big pothole and suspect damage, visit Team Toyota for a full inspection and alignment check.

📍 Team Toyota
📞 Phone Number: 740-609-1987
📍 Address: 905 Brady Ave, Steubenville, OH 43952
🌐 Website: www.teamtoyotaohio.com/service/

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