Has your car been steering erratically lately? Have you noticed an unfamiliar "clunking" noise coming from under your car? Are your tires wearing unevenly? These symptoms can be the after-effects of hitting a pothole. Because of a record-breaking winter,road repair crews in many areas are behind in their work.

Hitting a pothole or rough railroad crossing can do more than jar your teeth,it can damage a tire or certain under-car parts. To minimize the jolt and potential damage, you should apply the brakes before you reach the obstruction, releasing the brake during the impact. If your foot remains on the brake, causing the wheel to slam into the pothole rather than to roll over it, damage may be aggravated.

A close inspection underneath the vehicle of tires and other components after a serious altercation with a pothole, curb or other obstruction.

Worn Parts Exaggerate the Problem

The effects of an impact with a rut, or series of ruts, are amplified when chassis parts are worn. Rubber bushings wear with time and mileage, as do the swivel joints that support and steer the car. Weak shock absorbers or struts, which help absorb the blow, cause a vehicle to be especially vulnerable to damage.

The life expectancy of steering and suspension components such as ball joints, tie rod ends and idler arms is shortened more by travel over rough roads than by long distance driving.

Never underestimate the value of a semi-annual alignment check along with tire rotations and balance. It can disclose an under-car problem that not only can save tire wear but also can affect driving safety. Remember,too,that your front wheel drive car may require four wheel alignment.

Courtesy of the Car Care Council