Driving along a familiar road, you might notice that your car starts to feel different after hitting a few potholes. That uncomfortable jolt when your tires hit one isn’t just annoying—it could have a lasting impact on your vehicle’s alignment. Potholes can do more than make for a bumpy ride. They can significantly affect your car's handling and, if left unchecked, lead to bigger, costlier problems down the line. But how do these road hazards cause wheel misalignment, and what can you do to avoid the negative effects?

How Potholes Cause Wheel Misalignment

Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the pavement, freezes, and expands, causing the road to break apart. When your vehicle drives over these broken patches at speed, the sudden drop and impact can jolt your car’s suspension and steering systems. Although your car’s suspension is designed to absorb shock, repeated or severe pothole strikes can knock it out of alignment. This means your wheels, which should all point in the same direction for smooth driving, no longer line up as they should.

The bigger and deeper the pothole, the more likely it is to cause misalignment. The problem worsens if you hit it at higher speeds or while turning. As your suspension and tires take the brunt of the impact, the precise angles that keep your wheels aligned can shift, leading to uneven wear on your tires, decreased handling, and poor fuel efficiency.

Warning Signs of Wheel Misalignment

Now that you know how potholes can affect your alignment, you must be aware of the signs indicating a problem. Misalignment can often go unnoticed at first, but over time, it will show how your car drives.

Uneven Tire Wear

One of the clearest signs of misalignment is uneven tire wear. Check the tread on your tires. If you notice that one side is more worn than the other, your wheels are likely out of alignment.

Pulling to One Side

Does your car pull to one side when driving straight? If your steering wheel seems to have a mind of its own and pulls your car to the left or right, you could be dealing with misalignment. The harder you have to work to keep your car straight, the worse the misalignment could be.

Steering Wheel Off-Center

When driving straight, your steering wheel should sit centered and even. If you notice that you have to hold it at an angle to drive straight, this is another sign that your alignment has been affected.

Vibrations

Your wheels could be misaligned or unbalanced if you feel vibrations through your steering wheel or seat, particularly after hitting a pothole. This is a sign that your car’s suspension or tires have been impacted by road damage.

The Impact of Misaligned Wheels

Ignoring misalignment may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can lead to bigger issues if left unchecked. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear, reducing their lifespan and increasing the likelihood of a blowout. You might also experience decreased fuel efficiency, as misaligned wheels create more friction and drag, forcing your car to work harder.

Furthermore, poor alignment affects your vehicle’s handling, which can make driving more dangerous. If you’re constantly correcting your steering to keep your car straight, especially in bad weather, you could end up in a dangerous situation. The longer you drive with misaligned wheels, the more strain you put on your suspension and steering components, leading to expensive repairs down the road.

What To Do If You Suspect Wheel Misalignment

If you suspect your car’s wheels are misaligned after hitting a pothole, it’s important to get it checked out by a professional. Many alignment issues can be resolved with a simple wheel alignment service, which involves adjusting your car’s suspension system to ensure your wheels are at the correct angles.

During this service, technicians will check the three key angles of alignment: camber, caster, and toe. These angles ensure that your wheels are aligned properly for both safety and efficiency. If any of these angles are off, it can affect your vehicle’s performance.

How to Avoid Pothole Damage

While you can’t completely avoid potholes, you can do a few things to minimize the risk of damaging your car’s alignment.

Slow Down

When you spot a pothole ahead, slow down as much as possible without causing an accident. Hitting a pothole at lower speeds reduces the impact on your suspension.

Avoid Swerving

Swerving around a pothole can sometimes be more dangerous than hitting it, especially if there’s oncoming traffic. Instead, try to center your wheels over the pothole or straddle it if it's small enough.

Check Tire Pressure

Keeping your tires properly inflated can help absorb some of the shock from potholes and reduce the risk of misalignment.

Worried about your alignment after hitting a pothole? Stop by BG Automotive for a thorough inspection. Our experts will get you back on the road with perfectly aligned wheels.