AAA shares tips for avoiding damage caused by potholes

Mid-Michigan (WNEM) – While the weather continues to do, AAA reminds Michigan drivers of paying attention to potholes.

When snow and ice melt from Michigan during the freezer-hazoz cycle, potholes are formed. It happens because moisture penetrates the sidewalk and freezes what extends the floor and presses the sidewalk upwards, which creates a gap. When the temperatures rise, the soil returns normally and creates a gap between the sidewalk and the ground below. When vehicles drive across the gap, the sidewalk can weaken – which leads to a hole in the street.

In a new AAA survey, 50% of the drivers in the state say that potholes are a big problem. 7% of the drivers believe that they are not a problem at all.

In order to avoid the damage of your vehicle, the drivers should point out that the drivers should keep an eye on the road, since an attentive, careful driver will probably hit a pothole less.

AAA gave the following tips on how to avoid driving via potholes:

• Scan the road to potholes and if this is safe, drive around on your way.
• Increase your following distance so that you can see potholes how to appear in front of you under vehicles.
• Avoid driving through standing water if possible. Standing water or puddles can dress up a deep pothole. If you cannot avoid the area, drive through slowly and treat it as if a pothole is hidden under the water.
• If you cannot avoid hit a pothole, reduce your speed safely and brake abruptly, especially if you exceed the pothole. Beating a pothole at higher speeds increases the likelihood of serious damage, including the compensation of the bikes, the effects on steering and bending or even breaking suspension components.
• If you hit a pothole, pay attention to new or unusual noises or vibrations. If you find that something is switched off with your vehicle, bring it to a trustworthy repair system for a complete vehicle inspection as soon as possible.

AAA also recommends checking your tires to avoid damage. The following points are what AAA said to keep an eye:

• Profile depth: Put a quarter in the drive groove with Washington's head upside down. If you can see the tip of Washington's head, start shopping for new tires.
• Tire pressure: Check this at least once a month with a quality display. Before driving, do this if tires were alone and are not hot. Follow the recommended inflation pressure of the vehicle manufacturer, which is found on a sticker in the driver's head door.
• Suspension and orientation: Look for changes in the vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven wearing tires, all indications of a problem with suspension such as alignment or shock. If your vehicle moves to the left or right, have the wheel alignment checked by a trustworthy mechanic.

Subscribe to TV5 newsletter And get the latest local news and weather directly to your e -mail every day.

Copyright 2025 WNEM. All rights reserved.