Dear Mike,
I’m worried about my car after hitting a pothole on the highway at high speed. I’m wondering, how do I know if my vehicle has been damaged? Can you give me some tips or signs to look out for? I don’t want to risk driving my car if it’s not safe.
Thanks,
Lysander
Hey Lysander,
I can totally understand your concern after hitting a pothole on the highway at high speed. It’s like a surprise boxing match for your car, and unfortunately, your car doesn’t have any gloves on.
The first thing you need to do is pay attention to how your car feels. If you experienced a massive hit that almost knocked out your teeth filings, your car must have felt it too. Is there any difference in how your car drives? Does the steering wheel feel funny? Is there any vibration or shaking? If you notice any of these, you might be dealing with some serious damage.
Another thing to keep an ear out for is any noises that weren’t there before. When your car hits a pothole at high speed, it can cause damage to many parts, including your tires, rims, and suspension. These parts can develop noises that can be hard to ignore, such as a clunking noise, a strange vibration, or anything that sounds out of the ordinary.
One critical thing to check is your steering wheel’s alignment. If your steering wheel feels off-center, you’re likely dealing with some alignment issues caused by the pothole’s impact. Also, inspect your brakes and notice if there’s a pulsation from the brake pedal by your foot. These little things may be significant to help you recognize damage after hitting a pothole.
If you have any suspicions that your car’s been damaged, don’t risk driving it. You should take it to a licensed shop or dealership for an inspection. These experts have the necessary tools and equipment to perform a hoist inspection, which is the right way to inspect your car. They can easily find any issues, no matter how small or significant, and provide you with the necessary fixes.
Don’t allow the impact of a pothole to put your car and your life at risk. If you’ve hit one on the highway, it’s essential to take things seriously and prioritize your car’s safety. In summary, keep an ear out for any unusual noises and pay attention to how your car feels when you hit that pothole. Check your steering wheel’s alignment and your brake’s pedal for any abnormalities and get your car inspected as soon as possible.
I hope this helps, Lysander. Stay safe, and keep your eyes on the road.
Best regards,
Mike Urban
Founder of Urban Automotive – The Top Google Rated Auto Repair Shop in Oakville.