Pothole season means the end of the snow season, but it also means that the roads start to show the wear and tear of the changing temperatures. Suddenly, huge pits in the road are leaving you frustrated and potentially leaving your car in worse shape! Check out these five parts that potholes can damage, and bring your vehicle in for an inspection to get things cleared up.  

What Parts to Check After Hitting a Pothole

Tires: Hitting a pothole can cause sidewall bulges, tear apart your tread or even flatten your tire. Always check them over well after hitting any particularly nasty potholes.

Wheel Rims:  Your rims may look bad after you rub against a curb, but potholes can do some real damage. Look for chips, dents and cracks. If your rim is damaged, the air from your tires will leak.

Suspension System:  Absorbing impacts is taken to a whole new level during pothole season, and your suspension isn’t prepared. If your steering seems to pull one direction, feels loose or there is noticeable vibration, stop in to see an experienced service team.

Exhaust: If your vehicle bottoms out when you hit a pothole, your exhaust system could be damaged. Signs of a damaged exhaust system is loud acceleration and the leaking of exhaust fumes in and around your vehicle.

Vehicle Body:  Cars that are lower to the ground tend to offer a smoother ride, but a pothole can do more damage that way. Check for damage to any low-hanging parts like bumpers and side skirts.