Navigating Potholes for Safe Driving and Damage Prevention
Potholes are a common hazard that can cause significant damage to your car and pose safety risks to drivers. In this article, we’ll provide some essential tips for navigating potholes safely and minimising damage to your vehicle while driving on pothole-filled roads.
Slow Down to Minimise Impact
One of the most important things to do when approaching a pothole is to slow down to minimise the impact on your car. Reducing your speed gives your car’s suspension more time to absorb the shock and reduce the risk of damage.
Keep a Safe Following Distance While Driving Over Potholes
Maintaining a safe following distance can give you more time to react to potholes on the road. This will help you avoid sudden braking or swerving, which can be dangerous and cause further damage to your car.
Look Ahead and Scan for Potholes to Avoid Pothole Damage
Maintain your eyes on the road ahead and scan for potholes. Anticipating potholes can help you avoid them or minimise their impact. This is especially important when driving on poorly maintained roads or after heavy rainfall.
Avoid Swerving to Minimise Risk of Pothole Damage
Swerving to avoid a pothole can be dangerous, especially if there are other cars around you. Instead, slow down and try to drive around the pothole if it’s safe to do so.
Properly Inflate Your Tyres to Avoid Pothole Damage
Underinflated tyres can cause damage to your car’s suspension, wheels, and tyres. Properly inflated tyres can help minimise damage from potholes. Check your tyre pressure regularly and ensure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure.
Check Your Suspension After Hitting a Pothole to Avoid Further Damage
If you’ve hit a pothole, having your suspension checked by a trusted mechanic is a good idea. Damage to your suspension can cause your car to handle poorly and lead to costly repairs down the road.
Report Potholes to Local Authorities for Damage Prevention and Safe Driving
If you encounter a particularly large or dangerous pothole, report it to your local authorities. Reporting potholes can help fix them promptly and prevent damage to other drivers’ cars, ultimately helping ensure safer driving conditions.
Car Maintenance Tips for Pothole-filled Roads
Navigating pothole-filled roads can be challenging, but following these tips can minimise damage to your car and help you stay safe on the road. If you would like a step-by-step guide on How to File a Claim for Pothole Damage Compensation in South Africa, click the highlighted text in this sentence.
