Spring is here, and so are the potholes!

potholes

Report potholes in Racine

Potholes are a common problem in Spring, and can cause problems for vehicle owners that are both immediate and long-term. Today we’ll talk about why potholes form, how to avoid hitting them while driving, what to do if you do hit one and have damage as a result, and how to report potholes in Racine so that the roads here can be as pothole free as possible!

Good driving habits can help you avoid pothole damage.

Good driving habits can help you avoid pothole damage.

How do potholes form? During winter, our roads freeze, and the water that’s seeped into all the tiny crevices freezes with them. This hardening puts strain on the blacktop, as does the erosion of the ground beneath the road which is also caused by the freezing and thawing process. These factors lead to an area that crumbles into what’s known as a pothole.

Why you don’t want to hit them: Hitting a pothole can cause a number of problems for your vehicle. This includes potential damage to your wheel rims, engine, exhaust system, suspension, and steering. Hitting potholes can also contribute to long-term wear and tear on your tires, shocks, and struts.

How to avoid hitting them: As with so many other things, it comes down to careful, conscientious driving. We’re sure you already practice safe driving habits, but just in case you need a refresher this includes slowing down and leaving space between you and the vehicle in front of you –  these things buy you time in the event of a pothole. Steer clear safely if you can, but if you must go over a pothole slow down gently (this is where the going slow comes in handy).

Slow down!

Slow down!

What to do if you hit a pothole? If you believe you have damage to your vehicle from hitting a pothole, bring it to our service center here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine. We’ve got a number of service coupons that can help you save on repairs.

How to report potholes: The city of Racine has a pothole reporting form on their website.

We hope you have a safe, happy season –  and watch out for those potholes!