Are Car Tires Easily Damaged When Driving Over Potholes?
4 Answers
After a car drives over a pothole, if the speed is too fast, it can easily cause tire damage, especially for vehicles with stiff suspensions and heavy body weight. Additional information is as follows: 1. Suspension system transmits forces and torque: The suspension system is the general term for all the force-transmitting connection devices between the car's frame and the axle or wheels. Its function is to transmit the forces and torque acting between the wheels and the frame, buffer the impact from uneven road surfaces to the frame or body, and dampen the resulting vibrations to ensure smooth driving. 2. The suspension system is one of the most critical components of modern cars: The suspension system should support the body and improve the ride feel. Different suspension setups provide drivers with different driving experiences. Although seemingly simple in appearance, the suspension system integrates multiple forces, determining the car's stability, comfort, and safety, making it one of the most critical components of modern cars.
Hitting potholes can indeed damage tires, with speed and pothole size being the key factors. Having driven for over a decade, I've seen many friends experience tire blowouts or rim deformations from hitting potholes too fast. When a pothole exceeds several centimeters in depth, high-speed impact can fracture the tire's casing layers, leading to bulges or sidewall cracks. In urban driving at speeds below 20 km/h, small potholes may be manageable, but they become more hazardous on highways or during rainy conditions. It's advisable to slow down in advance, maintain proper tire pressure around 2.5 bar, and be extra cautious with older tires or low-profile tires which are more sensitive. Regularly inspect tires for cracks and bulges during maintenance. Since tire replacement is costly, prevention through careful driving is more economical.
As a driver who frequently travels on mountain roads, tire health is my top priority. High speeds over potholes significantly increase the risk of tire damage, such as bulges or blowouts, especially for old tires. I check tire pressure and look for sidewall scratches weekly. For potholes deeper than 5 cm, it's best to slow down to under 15 km/h. Different types of vehicles are affected differently; SUVs handle it slightly better, but sedans need more caution. Preventive measures include choosing durable tire brands like Michelin and avoiding water-filled potholes after rain. Regular tire rotation extends lifespan, saving money and ensuring safety.
From a technical perspective, driving too fast over potholes can easily damage tires. The rubber may suffer impacts leading to ply breakage or bulges, and improper tire pressure exacerbates the problem. Passing at low speeds can reduce the risk.
