Why Potholes Are a
Bigger Problem Than You Think

Ahh, springtime. The snow and ice have finally melted away, love is in the air, life begins anew and — like clockwork — the roads are blossoming with fresh potholes, just waiting to wreak havoc on your vehicle. According to AAA, American drivers pay roughly $3 billion each year to fix car damage caused by potholes, from bent rims to flat tires to broken suspension to collisions. So how can you avoid this annual minefield of vehicular destruction?

Here are a few ways to limit the stress of pothole damage and save your alignment before it’s too late:

• 1. Give yourself space
  More cushion = less destruction. Make sure you have plenty of space between your vehicle and other drivers, giving you more time to see and react to potholes in your way.
• 2. Slow down
  All too often, hitting potholes at higher speeds leads to more serious vehicle damage. What’s more, lowering your speed can improve your reaction time.
• 3. Beware of puddles
  Watch out for puddles in the middle of the road. You don’t know how deep they are; therefore, proceed with caution.
• 4. Get a grip
  Hitting a pothole can jolt your vehicle in unexpected directions. Keep a firm grip on your steering wheel, so you don’t veer off into another vehicle’s path.
• 5. Keep your tires at full pressure
  As the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, properly inflated tires are probably your best defense against potholes. Check your tread wear and tire pressure regularly.

While taking these steps can help minimize pothole damages, there are just too many potholes out there to avoid completely. When damage or collisions do happen, just remember there’s always a Ford Dealer or Ford-certified Collision Center near you. They’ve got the technicians, expertise and Original Ford Parts to help you get back on the road safely — so you can enjoy the best of what spring has to offer. It’s your call.