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Potholes and road defects in Kalamata and Messinia are a daily challenge for drivers. The car’s suspension is a key part that is directly affected and can suffer serious damage from them. It is one of the most basic systems of the vehicle, with a direct impact on stability, safety and comfort while driving. In today’s article, we will refer to the suspension, the damage that potholes cause to it as well as some ways to protect it.
What is a suspension and what is its role?
The purpose of the suspension is to absorb vibrations from the road surface and keep the wheels in constant contact with the road. When a car hits a pothole, these components are naturally subjected to strong pressure loads.
According to our experience at Sokratis Samios Auto Service, many suspension damages start from such impacts and become noticeable some time later.
What damage do potholes cause to the suspension?
Let’s take a closer look at the possible damage that frequent driving through potholes can cause to a car’s suspension.
➡️ Wear or failure of shock absorbers
Most of the vibrations are absorbed by the shock absorbers. A hard hit on a pothole or on a road surface that is not in good condition is likely to cause internal damage or leaks. Consequently, the driver’s ability to control the car may be reduced.
➡️ Deformation in the scissors and joints
A second problem area that we may encounter is the deformation of the wishbones and links. Vibration can warp the metal components, affecting the geometry of the suspension and the stability of the car in general.
➡️ Brake pad wear
The tire blocks absorb vibrations and reduce noise. If we drive over potholes and bad road networks with great frequency, they wear out or tear, resulting in “creaks” and “knocks”.
➡️ Alignment problem
Furthermore, a sharp impact on potholes can cause uneven tire wear and reduced steering precision. In this case, the alignment has been affected and you will need to immediately visit a specialized workshop of your trust to correct the damage.
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Indications that there may be a problem
What every driver can do to protect their car in a timely manner is not to ignore possible signs that indicate damage to the vehicle’s suspension.
Below we will present you with some signs that should concern you:
- Car bouncing or severe “sinking”
- Suspension noises on potholes and “rough” roads
- Uneven tire wear
- Reduced stability during braking
- The vehicle pulls left or right
If you notice any of the above, don’t neglect it. A visit and a comprehensive check by the experienced team at Sokratis Samios Auto Service can save you from greater damage and higher repair costs in the long run.
This is how you can protect your car’s suspension
It’s almost impossible to completely avoid potholes, but there are some simple ways you can protect your suspension as much as possible and reduce the wear and tear it experiences every day.
➡️ Driving at low speed on poor road surfaces
First and foremost, reduce the speed of the car when you are on a bad road surface. The higher the speed, the more intense the stress on the suspension.
➡️ Avoid sudden braking on potholes
When you come across a pothole, you should brake smoothly. Apply the brakes early so you can smoothly go over the pothole. If you wait to brake sharply until the last minute, the front suspension will be put under more strain.
➡️ Regularly check your tire pressure
Proper tire pressure helps absorb shock and protects the suspension.
➡️ Carry out a preventive check of the suspension at intervals
A preventive suspension check by a specialized car repair shop is particularly important. If a fault is diagnosed early, it can be repaired more easily and effectively.
Read also: Are you buying used car in Messinia? Don’t pay even 1€ before we do this 10-point check
The importance of proper diagnosis after hitting a pothole
Therefore, the importance of proper diagnosis after hitting a pothole is very great. After such impacts, many drivers continue on the road, considering it to be nothing serious.
However, it is important to know that in some cases, damage to the suspension does not appear immediately. Possible deformations may later develop into more serious problems, with a direct impact on driving behavior.
For these reasons, a preventive check is recommended, especially after cases where the car has been subjected to intense stress. At our auto repair shop, we provide the most comprehensive suspension check, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. Our goal is to correctly identify the problem and repair it immediately, ensuring the proper functioning of the system and providing you with safety and reliability.
Conclusion
Potholes are one of the most insidious enemies of a car’s suspension, but they shouldn’t scare you.
With proper driving, regular checks and timely repairs when needed, you can protect your vehicle and maintain safety and comfort on the road. Prevention and proper support from specialized mechanics and car repair shops is always the smartest choice!
Sokratis Samios Auto Service is located at 32 Nikolaou Plastiras , Kalamata. We are available by phone (6984597400) for emergencies even outside of opening hours, until 21:00.
📞 Book your appointment now with Sokratis Samios Auto Service , by clicking here or by phone (27210 27325, 6984597400) and via the chat on our website.
