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Dealing with Pothole Damage in Virginia: What Drivers Need to Know
Pothole season in Virginia can cause serious vehicle damage, but knowing how to recognize issues, seek reimbursement, and find trusted repair services can help drivers stay safe and avoid costly repairs.
You’re driving down a road in Winchester, and then BUMP! You pass by a pothole. Some roads have potholes through neglect, while others may have them after a harsh winter or major weather event. Potholes usually form when water seeps into the pavement cracks and freezes. This freezing causes the road's surface to weaken and then collapse when enough drivers pass by it.
These holes can be annoying to pass by and may even make you spill your drink. But they're just title nuisances, right? Wrong. Potholes can cause subtle damage to your car, leading to repairs. As a driver, it's important to identify pothole damage and make repairs before it's too late.
How Potholes Damage Your Vehicle
A shallow and narrow pothole may be something your car can pass by without much trouble. But the larger a pothole gets, the more damage it may do to your vehicle. And even the more minor potholes aren't necessarily harmless. Here's how they can damage your pothole.
Undercarriage and Exhaust
If you have a low-hanging part, like a bumper or exhaust pipe, this can scrape against the pothole’s edges. Dents and cracks can happen, but sometimes, the problem may be worse, such as the pipe detaching.
Steering
Yes, it’s possible for your steering to be damaged through a big enough pothole. This is done by misaligning your wheels due to a possible bending of tie rods or steering knuckles. Your steering wheel may pull to one side as a result, and the problem can worsen.
Suspension
A large pothole can suddenly impact your suspension system. Broken ball joints, damaged struts and shocks, bent control arms. At best, your ride will become noisier. At worst, you may have uneven tire tread or poor handling.
Contact Brian Omps if You Notice the Following After Hitting a Pothole
- Uneven steering.
- Strange noises or vibrations.
- Damage to your tires.
- Misaligned bumper.
Even if the issues feel minor, they can evolve into a worse problem that can lead to car failure, possible injuries or death, and costly repairs.
Can the State reimburse me for Pothole Damage?
In Virginia, drivers can file a claim for pothole damage, but the claim must meet certain conditions. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reviews claims case by case, so reimbursement isn't guaranteed.
To increase your chances of getting reimbursement of up to $5,000, the pothole needs to be on a state-mandated road, and the VDOT should have had enough time to fill it beforehand. Take photos of the pothole and the vehicle damage, and contact Brian Omps for an estimate. Then, submit documentation to the VDOT.
Can I Prevent Pothole Damage?
It can be difficult to avoid every pothole, especially on a busy road filled with them. But there are some ways to prevent damage.
First, be vigilant after a large storm or freeze. If you see a pothole, avoid it or dry over it slowly. If you're on a gravel road, always reduce your speed. Inflated tires can also reduce damage because they can absorb the impact.
Finally, report potholes. You can contact the VDOT or the local authorities. This may help expedite repairs.
Why Choose Us for Pothole Damage?
We at Brian Omps have served the Winchester area for over 23 years, and we’ve seen our fair share of pothole-filled roads. We work our best to diagnose and repair pothole damage at a fair price. Our technicians use premium parts to fix the following common issues.
If you hit a significantly-sized pothole and notice damage immediately, we have 24/7 emergency towing and a fleet of over 50 vehicles. This way, you don't need to drive to us and risk possibly more damage.
Contact us today rather than tomorrow. Because potholes aren’t just annoying; they can ruin your drive!
