As the rollercoaster ride of spring continues and temperatures tap dance up and down the mercury scale, the already torturous ride on many area streets and highways threatens to get worse, taking its toll on both private and commercial vehicles everywhere. Until the broad array of potholes get repaired, the every day grind of dodge ball is imperative if you want to save either your car or your fleet from costly repairs. Should you brake hard or speed up when you are encountered by a pothole. The answer might surprise you.
Several local business marquees for auto repair shops already offer to help deal with pothole problems, but the crew at Belle Tire along M-139 in Benton Harbor hopes to help you avoid or mitigate damage in the first place. The store, located at 2005 M-139 in front of the Fairplain Plaza, has multiple recommendations to help navigate the rough roads, as well as car care tips that can help both you and your vehicle to cushion the impact when you do encounter the parade of potholes.
Here's what the Belle Tire crew recommends:
- Never brake or speed up when going over a pothole…
- Slow down before you hit the pothole, then release the brakes — reducing the speed will soften the blow…
- If a puncture, impact break, bulges or any other impact damage occurs, Belle Tire experts can assess the damage to see if the tire can be saved or needs to be replaced…
- Properly working shocks and struts will act as cushions upon impact…
- Make sure tires are properly inflated — tires that are not properly inflated are more susceptible to pothole damage…
- Have your vehicle's suspension and steering checked to make certain they are working properly…
Belle Tire reps throughout the state are reporting a lot of tire damage repairs being made at their stores and are hopeful that a little advice can go a long way toward reducing or avoiding that damage.
