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Pothole season can be rough on vehicles throughout Hillsborough, Bridgewater, Somerville, Woodbridge, Edison, and the surrounding Central New Jersey area. A hard impact can damage more than a tire. Wheels, suspension parts, steering components, and the underside of the vehicle may all be affected.
Warning signs that the vehicle should not be driven
Pull over safely and arrange towing if the tire is flat, the wheel looks bent, the steering wheel shakes, the vehicle pulls strongly to one side, fluid is leaking, or you hear scraping or clunking. Continuing to drive can turn a repairable problem into additional wheel, suspension, or drivetrain damage.
What to do after a hard pothole impact
- Reduce speed without making a sudden lane change.
- Move as far away from traffic as conditions allow.
- Turn on the hazard lights.
- Photograph the tire, wheel, roadway, and visible damage from a safe location.
- Do not crawl underneath the vehicle on the roadside.
If the car still rolls but does not feel normal, that does not guarantee it is safe. A damaged sidewall can fail later, and a bent steering or suspension part can make the vehicle difficult to control.
Roadside service or a tow?
A straightforward flat tire may only require roadside tire service. If the wheel, steering, suspension, or underbody may be damaged, towing the vehicle to a repair facility is the safer choice. Chain Gang Towing can match the equipment to passenger cars, SUVs, work trucks, and commercial vehicles.
For help after pothole damage, call (908) 642-3699 or use our location-sharing form.