2-20-2025 8:45pm

PREPARE FOR POTHOLES

Beth Callahan Editor

Photo via Pexels.com

Story submitted by Game Day Cincinnati

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- What is it they say about weather in Ohio? Wait a week and it changes! That roller coaster of temperatures and precipitation also provides the perfect environment for the annual springtime rite of passage: potholes. Those little (and sometimes not so little) divots are more than just an annoyance; they're a threat to both driver safety and vehicle health.

Potholes can cause everything from flat tires and bent rims to suspension damage and alignment issues, which can mean hefty repair bills. Tire Discounters, the country’s largest 100% family-owned and operated tire and service provider, wants to keep drivers out of the shop with simple ways to minimize damage before - and after - encountering potholes on the road.

Ensure Proper Tire Inflation Level
- Underinflated tires may not have enough resistance to withstand the impact of hitting a pothole. Properly inflated tires can help absorb the impact of potholes and reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle.

Avoid Sharp Turns
- Try to steer straight when going over potholes to minimize the risk of losing control of your vehicle.

Brake Gently, Then Not At All
- If you can't avoid a pothole, gently apply the brakes before reaching it to reduce the impact. As you drive over the pothole, Tire Discounters experts say to release the brakes altogether to reduce damage to brakes and brake pads.

Avoid Puddles
- Puddles on the road can sometimes conceal potholes, so try to avoid driving through them whenever possible.

Hold the Steering Wheel Firmly
- When driving over a pothole make sure you have a firm grip on the steering wheel to avoid losing control of the vehicle.

After You've Hit the Pothole, What Next?

Have tires checked for sidewall damage, which can be a result of a sharp turn over a pothole. Tire Discounters has free inspections that can help. And remember your fellow drivers: report potholes to help prevent further accidents and damage to additional vehicles.