(NewsUSA)
Spring - the time of growth, renewal and new life. The ice has finally melted. The winter blizzards have stopped. While freshly hatched chicks and scampering bunnies are familiar sights, something more ominous is also being born in the spring: potholes.
Just as the spring flowers begin to sprout, those dreaded potholes begin to appear. They are created when the pavement loses the ability to resist water and small cracks appear. As the water works its way down into the cracks and expands as it freezes, it pushes up on the pavement. The weight of a vehicle breaks up this newly uneven pavement, and a pothole is born.
Potholes are not only driving nuisances, but are dangerous as well. Driving over potholes can trigger immediate tire or wheel failure.
Potholes may also cause internal damage that can lead to tire failure weeks later.
There are several measures Firestone Complete Auto Care can recommend to protect your safety and the safe operation of your vehicle while the streets are being repaired.
Start with proper tire inflation. Keeping your tires inflated and checking them monthly will help reduce possible damage from suddenly hitting a pothole.
Next, check the tread on your tires. If the tires show uneven wear, it could be a sign of misalignment. If you feel your car "pulling" to one side during driving, have your service professional make sure your wheels and tires are aligned correctly. When having your tires checked, it is also important to rotate them according to recommendations in the owner's manual.
Third, be a proactive driver by avoiding potholes entirely. If you hit a pothole, do not brake during the impact. Instead, apply the brakes before hitting the pothole and release them prior to contact.
Braking during the impact sets up the tire and wheel assembly for a solid hit against the edge of the hole. Rolling over the hole instead reduces the possibility of skidding while braking.
While springtime is a time for beauty, remember that something ugly, such as a pothole, may be looming under your wheels. Take some time now to make sure you and your car are prepared.
Trisha Hessinger, an automotive education specialist and former race car driver, is a national spokeswoman for Firestone Complete Auto Care's award-winning Car Care Academy program. For more information, visit www.FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com.
