23 Jan Understanding the Damage Caused by Bad Road Conditions, and How to Protect Your Vehicle
Many drivers don’t fully understand the toll that poor road conditions cause on their vehicle. Even if you keep up with regular vehicle maintenance, rough, damaged, and dirt roads can significantly lower the lifespan of your car. National Auto Collision offers major and minor auto damage repair in Tucson, AZ after a collision, accident, or auto body damage. Here is a closer look at the damage that can be caused by bad road conditions, and how you can protect your vehicle.
Tire and Rim Damage
One of the most common problems associated with driving on bumpy, rough roads is damage to your wheels, tires, and rims. Driving over potholes, big bumps, and rough roads can increase tire wear and tear, leading to tire leaks or blowouts. Rough roads and rocks can also damage the wheels and rims, leading to more serious problems down the road. This is especially common with larger, heavier vehicles.
Suspension and Alignment Issues
Regularly driving over rough, bumpy, and uneven surfaces can cause impact damage to your shocks, struts, and other suspension system components. This can end up affecting your vehicle’s stability and braking and steering functions. Rough roads can also eventually knock your vehicle out of alignment.
Carriage and Underbody Damage
Another common issue is damage to your vehicle’s carriage and underbody. When you hit deep potholes, or when road debris flies up as you drive, it can cause cumulative damage.
Exterior and Paint Damage
Road debris, dust, and rocks can also damage the exterior of your vehicle, particularly the paint. Eventually you might notice chips in the paint or scratches on your vehicle’s exterior.
Glass Damage
Road debris, rocks, pebbles, and dust can also cause glass damage. The risk increases if you drive off road regularly. You might notice rock chips or cracks in your windshield, side mirrors, or side or rear windows. This damage will spread and worsen the longer you drive on bad roads.
Increased Risk of Accident and Injury
Finally, regularly driving on bad roads can significantly increase your risk of accident and injury. Driving over potholes can damage your vehicle, but even trying to avoid them can cause you to swerve and lose control. The risk increases if you are driving with low visibility, in poor weather conditions, or in unfamiliar areas. Loose gravel and rocks can also affect your traction and increase the risk of a collision. During storms, more water may accumulate on dirt roads or roads that are poorly maintained. This can increase your risk of hydroplaning. Over time, damage to your vehicle that goes unaddressed may also affect vehicle safety features like steering, brakes, and visibility, which can make an accident or collision more likely.
Don’t delay in seeking auto repair service when your vehicle is damaged due to poor roads, an accident, or a collision. If you have been Googling, “auto body repair near me in Tucson, AZ,” our experienced auto technicians at National Auto Collision Centers can help. We offer collision repair and maintenance to help you get safely back on the road as quickly as possible. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment at one of our auto service centers.