Pothole survival guide
Winter is hard on roads: repeated freeze-thaw cycles, water seepage, heavy trucks and road salt. Which is why springtime always means potholes!
They’re not just an annoyance—they’re a real threat to your car. Here are our tips for limiting the damage!
- Look ahead. Potholes can appear overnight, especially after a hard rainfall or a short freeze and thaw. Look ahead as you drive to try to spot the darker areas on the pavement. Also, watch the cars in front of you. If you notice them swerve, chances are there’s a pothole. Drive below the speed limit and don’t follow other cars too closely.
- Drive around. If you spot a pothole in time, you can probably drive around it safely. If you can’t avoid it, slow down as much as possible. As you reach the pothole, step off brakes and hold the steering wheel tightly, so you don’t lose control of the car. Don’t slam on the brakes. Hitting a pothole with the brakes on can damage the car’s suspension.
- Check for damage. If you hit a pothole, check your car for signs of damage:
- Loss of tire pressure
- Noticeable dents in your wheel rims
- Vibrations in the steering wheel
- Steering wheel pulling to one side
If you notice any of these signs or your car just isn’t driving the way it normally does, have it checked by a professional.
Potholes are an inevitable part of living in Canada. But by driving carefully, you can minimize the risk and enjoy spring driving!
The Personal refers to The Personal General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and The Personal Insurance Company in all other provinces and territories of Canada.
The information provided is meant to be illustrative only and does not constitute or replace the advice of experts. The Personal assumes no liability with regards to how such information is used