They say there’s four seasons, but as a Middleboro auto body and collision repair shop, we have to say there’s at least one more: Pothole Season. The Boston Herald began reporting on this year’s pothole season as early as February, attributing the plethora of newly formed holes to a wild and wet winter.
Well, as you may have noticed, the weather patterns here on the South Coast haven’t settled down a whole lot. We’re seeing more and more vehicles coming in with pothole damage – sometimes so significant that the cars needed to be towed to our shop.
What type of damage can hitting a pothole cause?
Hitting a pothole doesn’t sound serious, but the fact is that it can be. While some potholes are small, shallow depressions in the roadway, there are larger potholes out there. Car manufacturers test their vehicles with potholes that are 4 inches deep, and that have a gentle slope in and out. In the real world, Massachusetts potholes can be deep enough that the undercarriage can scrape the ground. Hitting a deep pothole, especially at a high rate of speed, can cause damage to your car’s suspension, steering and alignment. Potholes can often damage tires, wheels, and bumpers as well.
Have Your Car Checked After Hitting a Deep Pothole
If you’ve hit a deep pothole, it’s a good idea to have your car checked by your Middleboro mechanic. This is especially true if you notice a difference in the way the car drives, turns, and brakes. It’s also important to get the car checked if you notice any new shaking or vibration as you drive, or if any of the car’s warning lights came on after hitting the pothole.
Having your car checked will reveal any damage that can impact the safety of your vehicle. There may also be cosmetic damage to your car. The best Middleboro body shop will be able to fix all of your car’s issues for you. Pothole season continues into the summer roadwork season, which brings its own set of issues. So stay safe and drive careful!
