Don’t you hate it when potholes sneak up on you? There is a lot of money being spent on vehicle damage due to potholes. Do you know what parts of your car could receive the most damage? Oliver Automotive is the leader in Novato, CA for the service and repair of automotive tires. We know the kind of damage that can be done, so if you suspect something is wrong with your car or truck, it’s always a good idea to stop by so we can take a quick look.
Tires
Your tires are the first thing to hit a pothole, so it’s no surprise if they go flat after taking one on. Even if it doesn’t happen immediately, the impact of hitting a pothole can weaken or stretch the belts and cords of a tire, and that can lead to a blowout or flat tire later down the road.
So how are you supposed to know what to do? How do you know if you’re driving down the road on a ticking time bomb? Take the time to inspect your tires. Run your hand along the sidewall or the outside of the tire, feeling for bulges. Even if you aren’t sure, take your car to Oliver Automotive, located at Novato, CA and let us double-check for you.
Wheel rims
Most newer vehicles have aluminum-based rims that can be at risk for pothole damage too. A bent rim can happen after hitting a deep pothole when traveling at a high rate of speed. You could feel a vibration in your steering wheel, or your car could begin to handle differently. Your wheel won’t roll evenly, and it will be hard to form an airtight seal with the tire. Sometimes you can see this issue by just looking at your tire.
Suspension system
If your car starts to ride rougher than usual or excessively bumps, potholes could have damaged your vehicle suspension system. When your passengers are sitting lower than you are, and it’s not on purpose, it’s definitely time to check it out. With premature wear and tear on shocks and struts, this is something you will need to have professionally fixed. Let us take a look before a simple repair becomes a much more costly one.
Alignment
If your truck starts pulling to one side or the other, your alignment may be out of whack. When just holding the wheels with a few fingers won’t keep your SUV on the road, it’s time to take a look.
Besides being harder to handle, you may even see uneven tire wear. Replacing those tires after only six months will put a different kind of dent in your budget.
Our mechanics at Oliver Automotive have the tools and know-how to get your vehicle back into alignment.
Undercarriage
Most people have bottomed out into a pothole. The undercarriage can pick up a ton of damage by puncturing hoses and lines, or even by scraping your exhaust system.
If your exhaust system begins to sound different, get it checked out at Oliver Automotive. We can catch the leaks or the dreaded rust that can destroy your entire undercarriage.
If you think you have any kind of pothole damage, we’ve got you covered. For the best auto service shop in Novato, CA, call or stop by Oliver Automotive today.
