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Details to know

• How potholes develop
• Driving tips to avoid potholes

How potholes develop

Getting to the root of the pothole begins here:

• Rain, sleet and snow work into the soil under the pavement.
• When the temperature drops, the water freezes and expands, pushing up the soil and pavement.
• As thawing occurs, the water runs away and the soil recedes, creating a hole under the pavement.
• A passing vehicle breaks the pavement causing the familiar pothole.

The weaker the pavement, the more likely potholes will develop. Areas of your car that can be subjected to damage from potholes include:

• Wheel alignment
• Mufflers
• Wheel rims / Hubcaps
• Tires
• Suspension components
• Shock Absorbers

Driving tips to avoid potholes

• Keep your speed down.
• Be cautious when the roads are wet, as there may be a pothole under that puddle.
• Stay off seams at the edges and centre of the road, a key spot where potholes usually develop.
• Be extra careful at night when potholes are hard to see.
• Make sure headlights are clean.
• Seat belts are the law; they keep you in your seat and prevent you from personal injury, especially if your car hits a pothole.
• Be wary of a pavement edge that drops off - a collision could occur if you lose control. If your tires fall off the edge of the pavement, slow down and avoid braking. When slowed and in control, steer back onto the roadway.
• Watch out for cyclists swerving to avoid potholes.
• Beware of cars or trucks suddenly swerving into your lane to miss a pothole.
• Avoid potholes in a safe manner - don't swerve, watch for other motorists.
• Keep tires at proper inflation. An improperly inflated tire increases the chance it will burst when it hits a pothole.
• Have tires, wheels and suspension components of your car inspected if you frequently drive over pothole roads or if you suspect damage.
• If you must go over a pothole, go slowly and don't hit the brakes or you may compound the damage.