
There’s no question that many roads around the Dallas area aren’t in the greatest shape and, unfortunately, that can have a negative effect on your car. Potholes in particular, as well as other deep fissures in the road, are the scourge of drivers around the DFW area. So, what should you do if you encounter one?
First on your list should be to check for common pothole damage warning signs. Keep on the watch for the following:
BENT RIMS
This might only seem like an appearance issue, but based on how damaged your rims are, you could encounter several problems. Potential issues range from steering wheel vibration to uneven tread wear, tire failure and constant tire pressure loss, where you’re having to fill your tires up more often than normal.
TRANSMISSION LEAK
If your car hit a large pothole pretty hard and at the right angle, there’s a chance that the transmission casing could crack, leading to a transmission fluid leak. Without the proper amount of fluid, there won’t be enough lubrication to protect your car’s gears, making this an issue to attend to right away.
BULGING TIRE
Having a bulge in a tire is commonly associated with running over potholes. It’s also very dangerous, creating a higher likelihood of a tire blowout. If there appears to be a bubble forming on your tire, contact the Westway Ford service department immediately for assistance.
LESS VEHICLE CONTROL & STABILITY
Other symptoms of pothole damage could have to do with the steering or suspension systems. If your run in with a pothole is severe enough, you could experience strong vibration in the steering column, a bouncier driving feel over bumps, swaying, pulling and other issues that make it harder to control your vehicle.