Potholes and Suspension Damage

Potholes bloom every spring in many parts of the country, after freeze-thaw cycles break up the pavement. One hard hit can bend a wheel, knock your alignment out, or damage suspension parts. Some damage is obvious right away, while some shows up gradually over the following weeks.

How potholes form

Water seeps into cracks in the road. When it freezes, it expands and pushes the pavement apart. When it thaws, the gap remains, and traffic breaks the weakened surface into a hole. Areas with many freeze-thaw cycles, heavy traffic, and aging roads tend to see the most.

What a pothole can damage

The impact travels from the tire through the wheel and into the suspension and steering. Common casualties include:

• Tires. Sidewall bulges, cuts, or a sudden flat
• Wheels. Bends or cracks, especially on larger wheels with low-profile tires
• Alignment. Even without visible damage, a hard hit can change alignment angles
• Shocks and struts. Seals can leak or internal parts can be damaged
• Control arms and ball joints. These can bend or loosen
• Tie rods and steering parts. Bent tie rods can throw off steering
• Springs. Coil springs can crack, particularly if already corroded
• Exhaust and underbody. Low vehicles can scrape or dent parts underneath

Signs of damage after a hit

Pay attention for the next few drives:

1. The car pulls to one side when you're driving straight
2. The steering wheel is off-center on a straight road
3. Vibration in the steering wheel or seat, especially at highway speeds
4. A bulge or bubble on the tire sidewall
5. Clunking or knocking over bumps
6. Uneven or fast tire wear in the weeks afterward
7. The car bounces more or leans more in turns
8. A tire pressure warning light

A sidewall bulge is a safety issue. The tire can fail suddenly, so replace it before driving any distance.

What to do right after a hit

• Pull over safely if anything feels wrong, and check tires and wheels
• Take photos of the damage and, if it's safe, the pothole and its location
• Have a shop check the alignment and inspect suspension parts
• Keep receipts for any repairs

Some cities and states have a process for claims involving road damage. Rules and deadlines vary, so check with your local road authority if you want to pursue one.

Driving habits that reduce damage

• Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires offer less protection to the wheel.
• Leave space ahead. More following distance gives you time to see and avoid holes.
• Slow down, but don't brake hard over the hole. Braking compresses the front suspension. Ease off the brake just before impact if you can't avoid it.
• Be careful with puddles. A puddle can hide a deep hole.
• Hold the wheel firmly to keep control during an impact.

Is pothole damage covered?

This is where it's important to know what each product does.

Auto insurance: Damage from hitting a pothole is often handled under collision coverage, subject to your deductible. Check your policy.

Service contracts: Vehicle service contracts are designed to cover mechanical breakdowns, not damage from road hazards or impacts. Most exclude damage from accidents, collisions, and road hazards. However, if a covered part later fails from normal wear, unrelated to impact damage, it may be covered under a plan that includes suspension or steering components.

Tire and wheel protection: Some plans offer separate tire and wheel coverage for road hazard damage. This is a different product from a standard service contract, so ask about it specifically.

Read our FAQ for more on what service contracts usually include and exclude.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help you compare plans from third-party providers and explain what each covers, including suspension and steering, before you buy. To see options for your vehicle, get a free quote at /get-a-quote/.