Potholes can damage your car or lead to an accident
Living in New Hampshire offers residents the opportunity to witness the beauty of all four seasons. A downside to this benefit is the constant damage to homes, infrastructure, and cars due to the swinging temperatures throughout the year. As snow begins to melt away and reveal a rash of potholes on our roadways, The Insurance Center encourages you to read our tips to help prevent pothole damage to your car.
“Potholes are an unfortunate part of the late winter and early spring seasons here in New Hampshire. Thankfully, there are several simple solutions to help motorists avoid this seasonal road hazard,” said Robert J. Sammon, President of the Insurance Center.
Pothole damage can range from bent rims to bumps on tire sidewalls to misalignments, and damages could cost anywhere between $80 to $1,000 to repair. Sometimes, motorists will turn to their comprehensive coverage for assistance only to find out it doesn’t make sense to file a claim when the repairs cost less than their deductible.
In the worst-case scenario, a policyholder might swerve to avoid a pothole and end up hitting another driver. For the reasons listed above, The Insurance Center would like to share a few driving tips that could help you prevent costly pothole damage to your car.
Watch Out for Puddles
Bodies of water could hide gaping holes that could cause significant damage to your car if you are not careful.
Maintain Manufacturers’ Recommended Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires could cause more wear on your tire’s tread, and can eventually lead to a tire blowout — especially if you drive over a pothole.
Keep a Safe Distance Between Cars
Traveling too close to the car directly in front of you can block your vision of the road. Give yourself enough space to help spot potholes early.
Slow Down and Grip the Steering Wheel Firmly
Sometimes, potholes are completely unavoidable. In those scenarios, motorists are advised to slow down and hold the steering wheel firmly.
Look for Signs of Trouble
Cars that incurred damage from a pothole might pull to one side or might fire off new, unfamiliar sounds. In these cases, motorists should take their car to a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid causing further damage.
The Insurance Center has helped protect the financial interests of families in New Hampshire for decades. Speak with an Insurance Center agent at 603-542-2551 to learn other ways you can protect yourself when you are on the road.