Potholes are holes in streets and roads caused by erosion, typically freezing and thawing of water in cracks, which makes the road surface deteriorate and eventually creates a depression. Potholes are responsible for almost half a million insurance claims each year and can do severe damage to a vehicle.
If a driver hits a pothole, it is possible for a tire to burst as it absorbs the impact. Potholes can also damage the rims. Inspect the rims regularly, or at least at each rotation, for dents or other signs of damage. Hitting a pothole can also cause a bulge in the side of the tire by damaging the sidewall.
If a driver hits a pothole on a public street, contact the local highway or street department. Some cities accept responsibility for damage from potholes (and other significant road hazards). If the municipality will not accept liability, contact your insurance carrier. Ultimately it is in a driver's best interest to avoid potholes and follow safety precautions.
Always keep tires fully inflated to reduce rim damage from hitting a pothole. Slow down, if possible, when a pothole cannot be avoided due to traffic or other reasons. The slower the impact, the less damage is likely. Never brake immediately over a pothole. This can cause more damage by shifting the vehicle's weight to the front.
