April at Morley Auto Services – Pothole Season!
April is peak pothole season. The cycle of winter freezing and spring thawing leaves the roads in pretty rough shape.
The Redhill Pothole Survival Guide: Is Your Car Losing Its Alignment?
If you’ve driven down the A25 or navigated the lanes toward Outwood lately, you’ve likely played a game of "dodge the crater."
April in Surrey is notorious for potholes. While hitting one might just feel like a loud thud and a spilled coffee, the damage beneath your car can be silent. Here is how to tell if the Redhill roads have won the battle against your suspension.
1. The "Tell-Tale" Signs of Alignment Issues
Keep an eye (and an ear) out for these three signs:
- The Steering Wheel Tug: On a flat, straight piece of road, does the car drift to the left or right when you relax your grip?
- Off-Centre Steering: When you’re driving straight, is your steering wheel sitting at an angle?
- Uneven Tyre Wear: Check your front tyres. Is the rubber wearing down faster on the inside or outside edge? This is a classic sign that a pothole has knocked your tracking out.
2. Suspension Stress: More Than Just a Bump
Your suspension isn’t just for comfort; it keeps your tyres in contact with the road. A heavy hit on a deep pothole can:
- Snap a Coil Spring: These often go with a loud "bang" and can lead to a failed MOT.
- Damage Shock Absorbers: Leading to a "bouncy" ride and poor braking distances.
- Buckle a Wheel Rim: If you have alloy wheels, a hard hit can cause a hairline crack, leading to slow punctures.
3. The Cost of Ignoring It
Ignoring a slight "pull" in your steering might seem fine now, but it’s a false economy. Poor wheel alignment causes your tyres to scrub against the road, meaning you’ll be buying new tyres months earlier than you should. In the long run, spending on an alignment check saves you money on a new pair of tyres.
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