Ran Over a Pothole? Here are Signs You Damaged Your Vehicle

You know the scene--you're carelessly driving on the road, listening to your favorite tune when suddenly it hits you: a pothole--or even a huge bump--stubbornly refuses to move as you hits the entire hole (or mass) in full force.

And since you're a good driver--with adroit hands and laser-like focus--you were able to ride over that nasty obstacle and continue driving down the road. But still--are you sure that it didn't do anything to your car?

Rich White, executive director for Car Care Council explains: "If you've hit a pothole, it can be difficult to know if and to what extent your car has been damaged," he said.

So yes, the thing about potholes and dents is that they are so deceptive--you never really know that something has happened to your vehicle unless you take a closer look and inspect them. And how will you know what these things are? Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Swaying, or lack of control when turning.
• Excessive bouncing when driving on rocky terrain or even rough roads.
• The vehicle tends to go in one direction, and not on a straight path.
• Tire's sidewalls have blisters and bulges.
• Wheel rims are broken or have dents.

"It's a good idea to describe the symptoms to a professional technician who can then check out the vehicle and make the necessary repairs to ensure safety and reliability," White added.

You can check out this article to learn more about potholes and how they damage your vehicle.