Why You Should Avoid Potholes in Roanoke, VA

Every driver in Roanoke, VA, knows the feeling – one second the road looks clear, and the next your vehicle jolts from hitting a pothole. While it might seem like a harmless bump, potholes can quietly damage your vehicle in ways that add up to expensive repairs.

Our team here at Berglund Used Car Super Center is committed to informing our customers about how they can protect their vehicles from pothole damage. From how potholes form and the types of damage they cause, to the warning signs and practical tips for protection, we’ll make sure you feel confident in taking on the road ahead. If you’ve hit one too many potholes, visit our service center and we’ll take care of it.

Why Potholes Keep Popping Up

Potholes are part of the deal when it comes to driving, especially in areas where temperatures shift throughout the year. Rain and melting snow seep into cracks in the pavement, expanding them when they freeze. Each freeze-thaw cycle weakens the road, and with traffic passing over, the asphalt eventually crumbles, creating a hole.

Once a pothole forms, it rarely stays small. Over time, passing vehicles break the edges down further, creating the deep craters we all try to avoid. Unfortunately, even shallow potholes can cause serious problems for your vehicle.

What Happens When You Hit a Pothole

Even at moderate speeds, the sudden impact of hitting a pothole can throw your vehicle’s systems out of balance. Here are the most common types of damage:

• Tire and Wheel Problems: Impacts can bend rims, cause bubbles in tire sidewalls, or even lead to blowouts.
• Alignment Issues: Just one bad hit can shift your wheels out of alignment, which makes steering uneven and causes tires to wear faster.
• Suspension Wear: Shocks and struts are designed to absorb bumps, but repeated pothole strikes shorten their lifespan.
• Undercarriage Scrapes: Deep holes can scrape your exhaust or other parts underneath, sometimes causing leaks.
• Steering Damage: Components like tie rods and ball joints can bend, leaving your steering less precise.

Left unchecked, these problems affect comfort and compromise safety and reliability.

Warning Signs of Pothole Damage

Not every impact leaves visible damage. After hitting a pothole, pay attention to these signs that your vehicle experienced pothole damage:

• Pulling to the left or right while driving straight.
• Vibration in the steering wheel.
• New clunking or rattling noises.
• Uneven or rapid tire wear.
• A bumpier ride than usual.

How to Steer Clear of Potholes

While you can’t avoid every pothole, these driving tips can help limit the damage:

• Keep Your Distance: Following too closely gives you less time to react if the driver ahead swerves.
• Slow Down: Lower speeds reduce the impact if you can’t avoid one.
• Scan Ahead: Watch the road for dips, cracks, or standing water that may hide potholes.
• Watch the Puddles: They often conceal deep holes.
• Check Tire Pressure: Well-inflated tires are less likely to suffer blowouts from sudden impacts.

The goal isn’t to dodge every pothole, but to drive in a way that minimizes potential damage.

Why Avoiding Potholes Saves You Money

Fixing pothole damage can be a real pain in your wallet. Think about these factors:

• Replacing a damaged tire can cost $200 or more.
• Alignment services typically range from $100–$200.
• Suspension repairs, if ignored, can run into the thousands.

By being proactive and reacting quickly, you’ll save yourself money in the long run. Avoiding potholes is part of your vehicle’s preventative care, especially in changing climates like Roanoke, VA.

How Berglund Used Car Super Center Can Help

Even careful drivers hit potholes now and then. That’s why our service department in Roanoke, VA, is here to back you up. We offer:

• Tire and Wheel Inspections
• Alignment Services
• Suspension and Steering Checks
• Undercarriage Repairs

Our technicians know where potholes cause hidden issues and can spot problems before they snowball into major repairs. Whether you drive a sedan, SUV, or truck, we’ll make sure your vehicle gets back to handling the way it should.

Stay Ahead of Pothole Damage in Roanoke, VA

While potholes will always be an issue drivers need to avoid, there are steps you can take to protect your vehicle. Drive carefully, watch for signs of damage, and address issues early – your wallet, tires, and suspension will thank you.

At Berglund Used Car Super Center, we’re committed to helping drivers around Roanoke stay safe on the road. Whether you need an inspection after hitting a pothole or you’re in the market for a dependable used vehicle, our team is here to help.

Schedule your service appointment today or stop by our lot – we’ll keep your vehicle driving strong, no matter what the road throws your way.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.