I Hit a Pothole! What Kind of Damage Can Happen to My Buy Here Pay Here Car?
What to Check on Your Vehicle If You Hit a Pesky Pothole in Kansas City
Hitting a pothole can cause significant damage to your car, which can be both costly to fix and dangerous if you keep driving it.
Potholes are an all-too-common problem on Missouri roads and can be caused by various factors such as weather, heavy traffic, poor road maintenance, and snow plows.
It can come as quite a shock when you unexpectedly hit one of these tarmac terrors, and it’s even worse if the pothole causes damage to your prized possession: the buy here pay here car you worked so hard to get!
So, what should you do when you hit a pothole?
How Might Hitting a Pothole Damage My Vehicle?
One of the most common types of damage caused by hitting a pothole is damage to the tires. Potholes can cause the tires to lose air pressure or become punctured. This can lead to decreased performance, and in some cases, to a sudden loss of control of the vehicle. It is important to regularly check your tires for damage and replace them if necessary. Repeatedly driving over rough terrain - like a series of potholes - will take a heavy toll on your tires, so you’ll need to replace them before the end of their recommended lifecycle.
Hitting a pothole can also cause damage to the suspension of your used car in Kansas City. The suspension system is responsible for absorbing the shocks and impacts from the road, and potholes can cause this system to become damaged or even fail. This can lead to poor handling, uneven tire wear, and a rough ride. If you aren’t an expert in these parts, you’ll need to let an expert mechanic take a look.
Potholes often cause damage to the wheels, too - which are different from your tires. Hitting a pothole at high speed can cause the wheels to become bent or misaligned, affecting the vehicle's handling and stability.
What Should I Do If My Buy Here Pay Here Car Hits a Pothole?
If your Kansas City used car hits a pothole, it is important to take the appropriate steps to assess and repair any damage that may have occurred.
First, slow down and pull over to a safe location, preferably into a parking lot and off the roadway. If possible, avoid hard braking or swerving suddenly, as this can cause additional damage to your vehicle or result in an accident. Once you have pulled over, carefully inspect your vehicle for any damage.
If you notice any damage to your tires, such as a loss of air pressure or a puncture, you should replace the tire as soon as possible. Driving on a damaged tire is very dangerous and can cause further damage to your vehicle. Having a spare tire and the necessary tools to change it in an emergency is important. If you don’t know how to change a tire, call a friend or roadside assistance.
If you notice any damage to your suspension system, such as a bent or broken component, you should have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. The suspension system is responsible for absorbing the shocks and impacts from the road, and damage to this system can affect the handling and stability of your vehicle. You’re in for a rough ride if you keep driving with poor suspension.
In addition to inspecting and repairing any damage, you should also report the pothole to the appropriate authorities. If you’re in Kansas City, just dial 311 to report the pothole. This can help to prevent other drivers from encountering the same problem and can also help to hold the responsible parties accountable for maintaining the road.
Avoid Potholes Wherever You Can!
The streets of Kansas City have more than their fair share of potholes, and if your vehicle suffers more damage than its value, you may need to buy a new-to-you vehicle.
If you search for “car lots near me” online, you’ll notice that one of the top buy here pay here car dealerships in Kansas City, MO, is Auto Bank. We offer incredibly convenient car finance options and are considered one of the most reliable and dependable Kansas City auto sales companies in the area.
When it’s time to upgrade your ride, head to Auto Bank. You can even hasten your visit by getting pre-approved for car financing online - even if you’ve had credit challenges in the past.