When a car hits a pothole, most drivers worry about the suspension. But mechanic Juan José Ebenezer says the impact can also affect less visible systems, potentially causing faults that go unnoticed until later. The force reaches the wheel and tire, as well as steering components and the hub. Nearby electronics, including wheel-speed sensors and their wiring, can also be affected.
Drivers do their best to avoid potholes, but sometimes swerving is impossible or unsafe. The immediate jolt is uncomfortable; repeated impacts can accelerate wear in tires, wheels, steering and suspension parts. Warning signs include clunking noises or uneven tire wear. New vibration, a car pulling to one side, an off-center steering wheel or altered handling are also signs to watch for. A pothole strike does not automatically mean the alignment has changed: tire damage, pressure loss, a distorted wheel or imbalance can produce similar symptoms. Identify the damaged component before making an alignment adjustment.
Hidden risks for electronics
As Juan José Ebenezer points out, many drivers overlook less visible consequences. Modern cars have wiring, connectors and sensors close to the wheels and suspension, where impact can affect them. If a wheel-speed sensor, its harness, the tone ring or encoder, or the wheel hub and bearing assembly is damaged or displaced, the ABS or traction-control warning light may come on. A warning after a pothole should prompt checks of the sensor mounting and wiring, along with nearby components, the wheel and the suspension.
Vehicles designed for off-road use may be equipped to handle repeated impacts on uneven terrain, while ordinary passenger cars can also sustain damage after a series of hard hits. Faults can be difficult to trace when symptoms are intermittent. Repair costs can add up: AAA of Basic and Western New York has estimated average pothole-related repairs at about $400, commonly involving tires, alignment, suspension components and shock absorbers. In a separate UK fleet study, 46% of business drivers reported vehicle downtime during the previous year because of potholes or other road-surface problems.
Lighting systems at risk
Car lighting is another area to check after rough-road travel. Halogen bulbs may fail, but a blown bulb requires vehicle-specific diagnosis; an impact can also cause faults elsewhere in the electrical system. If lights flicker or a dashboard warning appears after a pothole strike, have the relevant circuit and components inspected instead of assuming the cause is simply normal wear.
A tire can sustain internal or sidewall damage without going flat immediately. Once safely stopped, inspect the tread and sidewall, then check the tire pressure when cold. A bulge, exposed cord, severe cut, tread separation or continuing pressure loss calls for prompt professional assessment, not continued driving. New pulling, vibration or uneven tire wear also warrants an inspection, as do clunking noises or a change in steering response.
Reducing the risk
Potholes are a fact of life on many Spanish roads, and not all can be avoided. Slowing down when it is safe to do so can reduce the force of an impact. After a severe strike, check the tires and watch for changes in handling or steering position, as well as warning lights and lighting. If the car has serious tire, steering or suspension symptoms, stop driving and arrange professional help.
Repeated exposure to rough surfaces can wear tires, wheels, steering and suspension components over time, sometimes without one obvious failure. Pay attention to subtle changes in a vehicle’s behavior alongside visible damage. That can help identify a problem before it develops into a more costly repair or a safety risk.
