The I-74 Suspension Killer: How To Spot "Invisible" Pothole Damage After A Winter Storm

Winter storms often leave behind hidden pothole damage. These rough roads can harm your car’s suspension and alignment without you noticing right away. This blog will teach you the key "Signs of Suspension Damage" after hitting a pothole.

Keep reading to protect your car and wallet.

Key Takeaways

• Potholes form in winter due to freeze-thaw cycles. Water freezes, expands, and breaks the pavement. This process creates potholes that damage suspensions, alignments, and tires.

• Signs of suspension damage include pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, bouncing after bumps, strange noises like clunking or squeaking, and difficulty steering.

• Ignoring suspension issues can lead to costly repairs ranging from $1,000–$4,000. Fixing problems early saves money and improves safety on icy roads near Harrison or Milan areas.

• Simple tests like the bounce test or checking for leaks help spot hidden suspension damage before it worsens.

• Tom Tepe Autocenter offers expert diagnostics and financing options for repairs while providing reliable new and used vehicles with trade-in opportunities across Indiana and Ohio locations.

The Dangers of Pothole Damage After a Winter Storm

Freezing temperatures and melting snow cause potholes to form quickly in winter. Hitting one can damage your suspension, alignment, and tires without you noticing right away.

Why do potholes form in winter

Potholes develop during winter due to freeze-thaw cycles. Water seeps into small cracks in the road and freezes when temperatures drop. Ice expands, forcing the pavement apart and weakening it.

Once ice melts, the weight of passing vehicles breaks the surface, creating potholes.

Lack of proper road maintenance makes this worse in many areas. Urban transit systems with funding gaps and neglected infrastructure often suffer more damage. Midwest states like Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky face these issues frequently during harsh winters due to freezing conditions combined with heavy traffic flow.

Next up: How potholes impact your vehicle’s suspension and alignment

How potholes impact your vehicle's suspension and alignment

Freezing and thawing create potholes that damage your car's suspension system. Striking a deep hole at high speed can bend control arms, break ball joints, or crack axles. These hits make parts like shocks and sway bars work harder, leading to premature wear.

Even a small impact can throw off the alignment of your wheels. This makes handling worse and increases tire wear.

Misaligned steering affects stability and ride height. Your vehicle may pull to one side while driving or struggle on uneven roads. Poor camber angles from damaged components reduce contact between tires and pavement, making turning less safe.

Over time, worn suspension systems lead to costly repairs if ignored after serious pothole impacts during winter months.

Signs of "Invisible" Suspension Damage

Invisible suspension damage can sneak up after hitting potholes. Watch for changes in handling or how your car feels on the road.

Pulling to one side while driving

Pulling to one side while driving often means your wheel alignment is off or suspension parts are failing. This can happen after hitting potholes, especially during winter storms. Misaligned wheels may also cause uneven tire wear and reduce fuel efficiency.

Suspension problems like damaged control arms or springs can make the car veer after bumps or turns. Drivers should pay attention to unusual vibrations, noises, or loss of control.

Routine inspections for alignment and undercarriage issues in Harrison, Ohio, save you from costly repairs later.

Bouncing or excessive vibrations on uneven roads

Uneven roads can quickly reveal worn shocks or struts. Persistent bouncing after driving over speed bumps signals suspension trouble. Damaged springs or shock absorbers may fail to absorb impact properly, increasing vibrations.

A bouncy ride over cracks and bumps often means your car's damping system is compromised. Test your rear suspension by pressing down on the bumper; if it continues to bounce, there’s an issue.

Ignoring these signs risks more damage to front or rear suspensions and leads to costly repairs later.

Uneven tire wear

Tires wearing unevenly can signal suspension problems. Misalignment often causes one side of a tire to wear more than the other. Worn bushings or struts might lead to tire cupping, which creates a bumpy ride.

Check your tires for unusual patterns or bald spots. If left unchecked, misaligned suspension reduces tread life, increases pothole repair costs, and risks safety on icy roads near Harrison, OH or Milan, Indiana.

Fixing alignment early saves money and ensures smooth driving across Cincinnati and Indianapolis streets.

Strange noises like clunking or squeaking

Clunking or squeaking sounds over bumps mean your suspension needs checking. These noises often point to loose, worn, or damaged parts in the front suspension or independent rear suspension.

Ignoring them can worsen the problem and lead to costly repairs.

Squeaks could signal issues with weight transfer components like bushings or driveshafts. Clunks may indicate trouble with shocks, struts, or even your air suspension system. Spot these signs early to maintain control and safety on Harrison, Ohio, roads this winter.

Keep reading for simple tests to catch hidden damage quickly!

Difficulty steering or reduced control

A shaky, loose, or stiff steering wheel can signal suspension trouble. Hitting potholes in winter may damage components like the damper or alignment, making steering unpredictable.

Heavy or unstable steering increases the risk of losing control.

Reduced control can also result from misaligned caster angles or damaged wheel wells. These issues affect safety and handling on both front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

Next, learn simple tests to identify these problems early.

Simple Tests to Spot Suspension Issues

Quick checks can reveal hidden suspension problems. These tests help spot issues before they get worse.

The Bounce Test

Press down firmly on one corner of your car. If it bounces more than once or twice, the shocks might need replacing. Persistent bouncing after stopping or crossing a speed bump often means worn-out dampers.

This test can reveal problems with springs or struts, which are key parts of your suspension system. Don’t ignore repeated bouncing; it signals the suspension needs attention fast to avoid uneven tire wear and steering issues.

Visual inspection for leaks or damage

Check for fluid leaks near the tires. Oily spots or wet streaks around shocks and struts might mean suspension damage. Look closely for any leaking fluid at these points.

Inspect the shocks and struts carefully. Signs of wear or damage, like cracks or breaks, need attention fast. Catching these early saves you time and money in repairs later.

Checking tire alignment and wear patterns

Uneven tire wear often signals suspension or alignment issues. Examine your tires for more wear on one side. This could mean poor wheel alignment or damage from hitting potholes near Milan, Indiana, after winter storms.

Tire cupping is another red flag. These small, wavy dips across the tread point to suspension problems. Regularly inspect your tires to stay safe and avoid costly fixes down the road in Aurora, Indiana.

Why Addressing Suspension Damage is Crucial

Fixing suspension damage keeps your car safe and easy to control. Ignoring it can lead to bigger, expensive problems.

Ensuring safety on the road

Driving with damaged suspension increases stopping distance and lowers control. In 2017, over 37,000 traffic fatalities occurred in the U.S., showing how crucial safety is. Damaged parts like alignment issues or uneven tires make accidents more likely during sudden stops or sharp turns.

The NTSB targets zero road deaths in the U.S., so fixing suspension problems helps meet that goal. Regular checks for suspension damage should be a priority after winter storms. This ensures safer driving on roads affected by potholes or ice damage in areas like Aurora and Milan, Indiana.

Preventing further damage to your vehicle

Fixing suspension problems quickly avoids bigger issues. Ignoring damage can ruin tires, alignment, and steering systems. Aggressive driving over potholes after storms worsens these risks.

Early repairs mean fewer costly fixes later.

Keeping your car safe ensures smooth rides and control on the road. Suspension problems can lead to discomfort or even accidents by reducing handling. Regular inspections protect you while saving money in the long run.

Avoiding costly repairs in the future

Repairing car suspension can cost between $1,000 and $4,000. Ignoring early warning signs like bouncing or pulling may lead to bigger expenses. Replacing struts alone runs several hundred dollars per corner.

Regular maintenance helps avoid these charges.

Check your wheel alignment often after hitting potholes. Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear and reduce control while driving in Aurora or Milan, Indiana. Early inspections keep small issues from turning into major repairs over time.

Next: Explore Your Options with Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country

Explore Your Options with Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country

Visit Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country for expert repairs, vehicle upgrades, and top-notch service.

Professional suspension diagnostics and repairs

Tom Tepe Autocenter offers expert suspension diagnostics and repairs to keep your car safe. Damaged suspensions can lead to uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, or steering problems.

We use advanced tools for precise inspections and fixes. Only genuine parts are installed to ensure quality.

Our skilled team works efficiently so you’re back on the road fast. Schedule maintenance during service hours: Monday through Friday, 7 AM–6 PM, and Saturday, 8 AM–4 PM. Early checks help avoid expensive future repairs while improving performance and safety.

Reliable service to keep your car in top condition

Our team provides expert suspension diagnostics and repairs to keep your car running smoothly. We ensure safety, prevent further damage, and help avoid costly fixes down the road.

Visit us during our service hours, Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM or Saturday until 4:00 PM. Trust our trained technicians to handle everything from wheel alignment to tire inspections.

Explore financing options for repairs if needed. Check out our used inventory and trade-in offers next!

Confidence in your next vehicle purchase with our New Inventory

Choose from top Chevrolet models like Silverado 1500, Equinox, or Trailblazer. Explore other options, including Traverse, Trax, and heavy-duty pickups like the Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD.

Serving communities in Aurora, Indiana, and Milan, Indiana, as well as areas near Cincinnati. Locations include Harrison, OH, Batesville, Greensburg, Madison, and more. Over 2,000 vehicles are sold yearly with a focus on customer care and transparency.

Find your next vehicle in our Used Inventory

Explore over 200 used vehicles across our three locations in Indiana and Ohio. Our inventory includes top brands like Ford, Nissan, Toyota, and Ram.

Browse online or visit us in person to find the right fit for your needs. Whether you want a front-wheel drive sedan or a family SUV, we offer reliable options for every budget.

Easy Financing Options for Repairs and Purchases

You can finance repairs or buy a vehicle through simple options at Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country. Apply for pre-approval online to save time. Financing is available for both new and used vehicles.

Flexible payment plans make it easier to handle repair costs without delay.

Special leasing and loan offers are offered for qualified customers. Repairs like wheel alignment in Harrison, OH, or fixing suspension issues can be financed, too. Trade-ins provide extra value that can help with purchasing costs.

Take advantage of these solutions to keep your car in great shape or upgrade to a reliable ride today!

Get the Best Value for Your Trade-In

Trade-ins can lower repair or purchase costs. Use online tools at Tom Tepe Autocenter to value your trade-in fast. Our appraisals offer competitive pricing for any condition vehicle.

Funds from a trade-in can help buy a new or used car or cover service expenses. Explore financing options or browse our New and Used Inventory today for reliable choices.

Conclusion

Potholes can wreck your car's suspension after winter storms. Ignoring the signs might lead to bigger and costlier problems. Catching damage early keeps you safe and saves money. Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country are here to help with top-notch inspections, repairs, and reliable vehicles.

Stay prepared and drive with confidence!

FAQs

1. How do I know if a pothole damaged my suspension if my car still “drives fine”?Pothole damage is often delayed. Watch for subtle signs over the next few days, like pulling to one side, steering that feels loose or “off,” new clunking/squeaking noises, or extra bouncing after bumps. If anything feels different, Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country can do a quick inspection to catch issues before they get expensive.

2. What’s the most common “invisible” pothole damage you see after winter storms?The most common hidden issues are wheel alignment getting knocked out, bent components (like a control arm), and worn or leaking shocks/struts. These problems can start small but often lead to uneven tire wear and reduced control if ignored.

3. Can I do a quick at-home check before scheduling service?Yes. Try three simple checks:

·         Bounce test: Push down on a corner of the vehicle—if it keeps bouncing, your shocks/struts may be worn.

·         Visual check: Look for fluid leaks near shocks/struts and any obvious bends or cracks.

·         Tire check: Compare tread wear—uneven wear is a big clue your alignment or suspension is off.

4. Is it safe to keep driving if my car is pulling or making clunking noises?It’s best not to push it. Pulling, clunking, or reduced steering control can mean alignment or suspension damage that affects stopping and stability—especially on slick winter roads. Get it checked as soon as you can at Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country so a small problem doesn’t turn into a bigger repair.

5. Can Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country help if I need repairs, but I’m worried about the cost?Yes. Our team can walk you through repair priorities, provide clear estimates, and discuss financing options for qualified customers (on approved credit) so you can get back to a safe, reliable ride without unnecessary stress.

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Harry Tepe, Owner and Dealer Principal, Tom Tepe Autocenter

Harry Tepe is a seasoned automotive expert and the owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, a leading vehicle dealership serving the Midwest states of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With a lifelong passion for automobiles.

Over the years, Harry worked his way up through various roles, absorbing valuable insights into sales management and dealership operations until he became the youngest GM Dealer Principal and owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, expanding the business to include multiple locations and a standalone reconditioning center.

Under Harry's leadership, Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country in Aurora and Harrison, Ohio, have grown exponentially, selling over 2000 vehicles annually and generating over $50 million in revenue. His active involvement in the industry is further evidenced by his participation in the NADA 20 Group and his influential role on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Auto Dealers Association, even serving as its President in 2016.

Harry's journey embodies the essence of expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. His insights and experiences are not just stories of personal growth and business success; they are testaments to his deep understanding of and commitment to the automotive industry.