Potholes are an unfortunate fact of life on most American roads, and they can be particularly prevalent on busy urban streets. Most drivers studiously attempt to avoid potholes where possible, but swerving around these nasty road problems isn't always possible. Hitting a pothole can be a jarring event, but how worried should you be after one of these close encounters?

Unfortunately, potholes have the potential to do severe damage to your vehicle's tires, wheels, suspension, or even critical mechanical components. When it comes to your car's rubber, however, you should be on the lookout for some particularly troublesome problems.

The Impact of Potholes

The impact of a pothole can suddenly apply several forces to your vehicle's tires. Although manufacturers design tire compounds to withstand the rigors of typical street driving, potholes can challenge these design decisions. Since your car may hit a pothole at an unusual angle or the hole may be shaped oddly, your tire can deform in unexpected ways.

Your tire sidewalls are especially vulnerable to damage in this way. Your sidewalls provide structure to your tire, but they are susceptible to puncturing, tearing, and other physical forms of damage. Scraping along the inner edge of a pothole can weaken the structural integrity of the sidewall, as can the sudden impact caused by dropping your tire into a deep hole.

Recognizing the Signs of Damage

If you hit a pothole, it's always a good idea to stop as soon as possible to check for damage. Look for visible signs of a compromised tire first: scrapes, missing chunks of rubber, and damaged portions of tread are all common. A hissing noise also points to a severe puncture, but small leaks are unlikely to be audible for most people.

Bubbling along the sidewall is another clear sign of damage, and you should always avoid driving on a bubbled tire. Even a small bubble on your tire is indicative of internal damage, and continuing to drive on the tire can result in a catastrophic failure at almost any time.

Repairing Pothole Damage

If you do believe that your tire has suffered damage from a pothole, then you should immediately consult with an experienced tire shop. Shops can often repair small punctures, but only a trained technician can properly evaluate tire damage and suggest the best course of action. Tires with bubbles or other severe forms of damage usually require replacement.

Always remember that your tires are the most critical component of your car's ability to accelerate, brake, and corner effectively. Promptly repairing damage to your tires is the best way to ensure that your vehicle remains safe under all driving conditions.

For more information, reach out to a local tire repair shop.