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Potholes are a common nuisance on many roads, causing frustration and annoyance. They are so bad around here that Minnesota's potholes were recently ranked the worst in the nation. And as many motorists have come to learn, the impact of potholes extends beyond the discomfort of a bumpy ride. They can wreak havoc on your car, either through one good hit or gradually through repeated collisions, leading to costly repairs.

Today we're taking a closer look at why potholes form, why roads aren't pothole-resistant in modern times, and the types of damage these hazards can inflict on your vehicle.

Why Do Potholes Form?

Potholes appear as a result of harsh weather conditions, such as freeze-thaw cycles or heavy rainfall. When water seeps into cracks or weak spots in the road surface, it can freeze and expand, weakening the pavement. The weight of passing vehicles doesn't help. That's thousands of pounds rolling over the weakened pavement again and again, causing it to cave in and create a pothole.

Why Don't We Have Better Roads that are Pothole-Resistant?

Pothole-free roads would be wonderful, but there are a few reasons this isn't a reality, like:

Logistics - Asphalt and concrete are often used for roads, in part, because they are readily available and the existing workforce is trained on their application. It's easy to get these materials and schedule a road paving or pothole repair. New road material might be in short supply depending on what goes into the material and the source. In addition, this material might require new training and methods of delivery.

Expense: Asphalt is inexpensive compared to other options and is recyclable. While it might not seem like it when you're driving down a particularly bad road riddled with potholes, asphalt tends to be a good buy for the amount of resilience it offers for its price. It might help to think of a driveway. If you ever had to pave a driveway and you found that expense to be larger than you'd like, imagine using a higher-quality material.

Underground Infrastructure: Road construction isn't only about what's visible on the surface. Underground infrastructure, such as sewer lines, water mains, and utility lines, require maintenance or upgrades over time. This means many roads are going to be dug up at some point, so it makes asphalt a more appealing option for costs once again.

That said, there are ideas on how to reduce potholes. Over the years, we've seen news about self-healing asphalt or even solar powered roads. The MnROAD research facility has also been testing road materials to see if there is something better our state can use. At the facility, they have sensors that detect moisture level, temperature, and bends in concrete.

One day there might be a better solution, but for now, try to remember where you see potholes and drive gently in those areas.

What Types of Damage Can a Pothole Cause?

When your vehicle encounters a pothole, it undergoes a sudden and jarring impact. This impact can cause several issues depending on how hard your vehicle hits it and where it hits it. A survey from AAA shows surprising, and unwelcoming, numbers when it comes to pothole damage and repair costs. According to the data, potholes caused 1 in 10 drivers enough damage to visit a repair shop in 2021, with the average pothole repair cost being almost $600.

Here are some of areas impacted by potholes that might need repairs:

Tires and Wheels: Let's start with damage to your tires and wheels. The force of hitting a pothole can lead to punctured or blown-out tires, as well as bent or cracked wheels. If a road hazard is hiding in the pothole, like a well-positioned nail that fell off the bed of a truck that hit the pot hole, it's possible you'll end up with a flat that way.

Suspension: In addition to tire and wheel damage, potholes can wreak havoc on your car's suspension system. When your car hits a pothole, the suspension system absorbs the brunt of the impact, but this can lead to misalignment or damage components, such as the shocks, struts, and control arms.

Alignment: Potholes also pose a threat to your car's alignment. Hitting a pothole can knock your wheels out of alignment, causing your car to veer to one side or experience uneven tire wear. Alignment checks aren't a bad idea in general, and they are a particularly good idea if you live in an area with potholes (and especially if you tend to hit your fair share of potholes).

Exhaust System: In some cases, the impact of hitting a pothole can damage your car's exhaust system or cause damage to the undercarriage. Potholes can throw up debris and rocks that can hit sensitive components under your vehicle. If you notice strange noises or smells after hitting a pothole, have your car inspected by a professional.

Take Care of Pothole Car Repairs at Bobby & Steve's Auto World

While there is a gathering momentum to put an end to potholes or reduce them greatly in the future, it's safe to say that potholes are here to stay for the time being. They can also have a significant impact on your vehicle's health and your wallet. From damaged tires and wheels to misaligned suspension and exhaust system issues, the aftermath of hitting a pothole can be costly.

But if you find yourself in need of automotive repairs for pothole damage in Minneapolis, MN; Bloomington, MN; St. Paul, MN; and surrounding areas, do yourself a favor and call your nearest Bobby & Steve's Auto World location. We're here to assist you, and we've seen a lot over the years. Our goal is to provide high-quality service at an affordable price. Potholes are no fun to hit, let alone when you need to schedule repairs as a result, but we try to make your experience enjoyable while you're with us (try some Caribou Coffee or take advantage of the food service at our participating locations).