Hole trouble

Color me oblivious, but until my son completely blew out a tire and wrecked a rim driving through a pothole in another state, I had no idea they could wreak such massive damage. How about a primer on this danger so I can share the info with my other two kids who are moving north and could also encounter this crazy risk! Happily. I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The potholes here are so huge in number and size (a semi driver making his way through town recently hit a pothole that sheared the truck’s leaf spring [part of the suspension system], resulting in a one-day delay and $1,700 in damages, according to news reports) that we all budget to get realignments at least annually.

But we’re not completely alone in that. Rough roads add an average $335 to the annual cost of owning a car — in some areas an additional $740 more — according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation officials.

Some organizations actually have compiled thorough (though different) tip sheets for understanding the risks and dealing with potholes (until you asked, I really didn’t know there were such resources out there). AAA and American Family Insurance have what I considered the best, and you can find them online. Among the tips from various groups: • Keep your tires properly inflated — it can reduce the chances of catastrophic damage if you hit a pothole.

• Avoiding puddles, which often form in potholes, is a good idea.

• Slowing down can help, as there’s often less damage if you’re driving slowly when you hit one.

• Keep driving straight if you hit one or are about to hit one; going through at a sharp angle or slamming on your brakes can do more damage (especially when you do a sharp evasive turn) not just to your tires but possibly to your shocks, springs, axel, undercarriage and even steering components.

• If you do hit one, inspect your tire as soon as possible; if there’s even minor deflation, going flat will probably soon occur and damage your rims.

• If the car pulls to one side, there’s an alignment issue and you should get that fixed fast, as tire damage will occur, not to mention iffy handling.

What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.