You Just Hit a Pothole, Now What?
Thanks to Minnesota’s cold climate and freeze and thaw cycle, you don’t have to drive far to find potholes and cracks in the road. These potholes are silent killers of vehicle health because the damage doesn’t always appear directly after impact. But that seemingly harmless bump can cause a ripple effect of damage, leading to everything from alignment issues to costly suspension repairs.
At AutoPro Auto Service, we see these problems every day—and most of them could be mitigated with a quick post-pothole inspection. If pesky potholes have you looking for a vehicle inspection near Fridley, MN, our team of ASE-Certified technicians will do a thorough inspection to determine if your vehicle has suffered any damage and to what extent. Schedule your inspection by calling AutoPro Auto Service at (763) 703-6172, or keep reading to learn the most common vehicle components that can be affected and what signs of damage to look out for.
Tires - the First Point of Impact
A pothole can cause sidewall bulges, tread separation, or internal belt damage, all of which compromise safety and performance. Inspect the tires immediately for visual damage. If you see a bulge or the tire loses pressure, we recommend a professional inspection to rule out any internal damage that could lead to a blowout.
Common Signs of Tire Damage:
- Visible bulges or bubbles on the sidewall
- Rims are bent, cracked or broken
- Flat tire or low tire pressure
A Shock to the Suspension System
The suspension system is what absorbs the impact of the road. A strong pothole hit can throw off alignment, bend or break parts like the control arms and tie rods, or cause premature wear to shock absorbers.
Common Signs of Suspension Damage:
- Uneven tire wear
- Vehicle Pulling to one side
Your Wheels May Need an Alignment
Even a small pothole impact can knock your wheels out of alignment, affecting how your car handles and how evenly your tires wear.
Common Signs of Misalignment:
- Vehicle pulls to the left or right
- Steering wheel is off-center
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- Vibrations in the steering wheel (typically at higher speeds)
Problems in the Pipeline - Damage to Undercarriage & Exhaust System
If the pothole is deep enough, it can scrape or even puncture the underside of your car—including the exhaust system. The best thing you can do is bring your vehicle to AutoPro Auto Service for an inspection. Even minor dents in the exhaust system can cause performance issues or develop into a more costly repair.
Common Signs of Damage:
- Visible scrapes, dents, or punctures
- Loud exhaust noise or any new noises coming from the vehicle
- Fluid leaks under the vehicle
Get a Post-Pothole Vehicle Inspection Near Fridley, MN
Potholes are more than an inconvenience—they’re a hazard to your vehicle’s health. Even if your car seems fine right after the hit, problems can develop over days or weeks. If you’ve hit a pothole recently, don’t wait for warning signs. Bring your vehicle in to AutoPro Auto Service for a thorough inspection. We’re located in Brooklyn Park - just minutes away from Fridley, MN.
Call AutoPro Auto Service at (763) 703-6172