Hitting a pothole is often surprising and uncomfortable. But, in addition to the immediate bump, it can also lead to significant vehicle damage. Potholes can damage the following parts of your vehicle. 1. Tires Tires are particularly susceptible to pothole damages. The sudden impact of a pothole can lead your tires to bulge or the threading to separate. This can make the tires unsafe, putting you at risk of having them blow out while you are driving. In some cases, the pothole may lead to some of the air in the tire leaking out, which puts you at risk of further damages later on. Your tire pressure monitoring system may indicate that your vehicle's tire pressure has dropped, which is an indication that there is a problem with the tires. Because air loss is not the only problem with impacted tires, it is best to have them looked at, just in case. more 2. Wheels When your tires are affected, your wheels are likely to be impacted, as well. If you hit a pothole hard enough, it can cause your wheels to bend or crack. This can mess with your vehicle's alignment, or lead to further damage to your tires. Some wheel damage may be visible, whereas other types of damage are not as easy to identify until the problem gets worse. 3. Exhaust A pothole can also damage your vehicle's exhaust system. Much of the exhaust system runs under the vehicle's body, which is exposed. If the vehicle hits a pothole hard enough, or bottoms out, it could dent, or pull off part of your exhaust system. This can lead to dangerous pollution, either in the air or in your vehicle. 4. Suspension A large enough pothole can also damage your vehicle's suspension system. This usually leads to your vehicle pulling to one side. Even a minor misalignment should be looked at because it can cause further wear and tear on your tires and wheels. If your vehicle drives differently or it feels loose in general, it may be due to the suspension. How To Avoid Potholes Avoiding potholes is not always easy. One minute you're driving along and the next, a large pothole comes out of nowhere. When you're met with the decision to swerve into traffic or hit the pothole, most people will brace for the pothole and deal with the damages later. While this may be the best thing to do, staying aware at all times on the road can help you avoid potholes. Avoid distractions while driving, whether that means texting and driving, or paying attention to backseat passengers. Pothole damage can be expensive, so it is best to avoid them in the first place, if possible. If you suspect that a pothole has led to any damage to your vehicle, it is important that you visit your dealership. Ignoring pothole damages can make them worse, which could lead to thousands of dollars of damages. Even worse, pothole damages can make your vehicle less safe, putting you at risk of a tire blowout or other vehicle problems. If your tires need to be repaired due to pothole damage, come visit us at Lenoir City Ford today! Image via pixabay.com
When you think of spring cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, and mopping inside your house are what usually come to mind. However, it's important to give your Ford a thorough cleaning too. Cleaning your car or truck inside and out can help it resist wear and tear and make you more comfortable when you're driving. Here are some spring cleaning tips to get your Ford in tip-top shape. Give Your Ford A Wash After a long winter, the first thing you'll want to do is wash your Ford. Winter weather conditions can be quite harsh on your vehicle, especially snow and ice. Road salt, dirt, and grime can build up and begin to eat away at your car's paint. While taking your Ford to a carwash might be convenient, hand-washing your vehicle is gentler and more thorough. If you live in an area where they salt the roads, you might want to add baking soda to your water bucket. It will neutralize the salt and can cut through grime even better than soap. Just make sure to rinse your car thoroughly to remove any residue. Drying it with a squeegee instead of letting it air dry will prevent water spots. more Check Under The Hood It's possible for leaves and other debris to accumulate under your Ford's hood in the engine area. You can wipe down the edges with a soft cloth if it isn't too dirty. If there's a lot of caked-on dirt, you may want to have the engine professionally cleaned. Clean Out The Clutter We practically live in our cars, so it's easy for them to turn into mobile storage spaces. The kids leave backpacks, athletic gear, and coats, while you might leave packages and other items inside the cabin. It's also common to toss old receipts or empty soda bottles on the floor while you're on the road. Grab a trash bag and get rid of that garbage. The kids can pitch in by getting their belongings out of the car. You'll want to clean out the console and glove box, two common areas where unnecessary items accumulate. Finally, remove anything you don't need from the trunk. While you're cleaning out your vehicle, take a minute to check your spare tire and emergency kit. Clean The Upholstery After you remove all of the trash and clutter from your vehicle, it will be easier to clean the seats. If your Ford has vinyl or leather seating surfaces, you can use a soft cloth and a bit of dish soap or saddle soap. A good leather conditioner will keep your leather seating surfaces from drying out after you clean them. For cloth seating surfaces, you can use a vacuum. If you notice any stains, a damp cloth and some dish soap should do the trick. A steam cleaner is another great option if you have one handy. Just make sure that you don't soak your vehicle's seats because that can leave behind a musty odor and create conditions for mold to grow. While you have the vacuum or out, go ahead and clean the floor too. Hopefully, you find these tips to be helpful. Once you give your Ford a spring cleaning, you'll be ready for all sorts of adventures on the road. Image via ford.com
