Harsh weather can definitely take its toll on our roads, producing vicious large-sized potholes that can wreak havoc on your vehicle. These types of problems are more common than you might think; according to a recent study published by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA), roughly half of all car owners from 2009 to 2014 had experienced some type of damage to their vehicle due to potholes. Not only can potholes spell trouble for your tires and wheels, but they can also cause significant damage to your suspension system as well.
If you frequently commute on any one of the many pothole-riddled roads in Fairfax, VA, the alignment on your car will eventually need to be adjusted. If you are starting to feel your car pull to one side or another when you take your hands off the wheel, this means that it’s definitely time to head to Hogan & Sons, an auto repair specialist in Fairfax, Virginia, and get your front end lined back up. What this basically means is that the angles of the wheels on your car need to be adjusted back to the manufacturer’s specifications, so that you won’t wear your tires out prematurely. Something as simple as a slightly altered alignment can cause significant wear on your tires, which means that they will not last as long as they should. This can lead to poor performance and increased replacement costs, both of which are undesirable scenarios for any car owner.
If you sustain a direct hit to a pothole, it could cause one or more tires to lose significant amounts of air, and may require an immediate replacement. You can also damage the sidewall or wheel covers of your tire as well. The best way to avoid vehicle damage from potholes is to pay close attention to your driving surface. If you see a pothole that is filled with water, it may be deeper than you think, and it could really do a number on your tires. Try to avoid them at all costs, but make sure not to alarm other drivers by any exaggerated swerving or sudden evasive movements. Keep a decent amount of distance between you and the car in front of you, so that no pothole will escape your field of vision. If you see that impact will be inevitable, don’t turn your wheels to either side; just drive straight over it, as this will keep your sidewall damage to a minimum. If, after you hit a pothole, you feel your car shaking or shimmying, you will definitely need to pull over and assess any damages, and then take it to Hogan & Sons Tire and Auto, an auto repair shop in Fairfax, Virginia as soon as possible to get it professionally inspected.
How to Get Reimbursed for Pothole Damage in Virginia
If you hit a pothole and incur damage to your vehicle, you have a legal right to submit a damage claim to the government agency responsible for fixing potholes.
Contact VDOT’s Customer Service Center at According to VDOT’s website, “Claims are investigated on a case-by-case basis. Investigators review the circumstances, the type and location of the pothole, if VDOT had been previously notified of the issue, and if crews had been given a reasonable amount of time to repair the pothole.” Contact Arlington County’s Risk Management Office at
Hogan & Sons Tire and Auto provides automotive safety and auto repair information for the sole purpose of educating the community at large. “We believe an educated customer is a loyal customer.” 8 Locations throughout the Northern Virginia area including locations in Fairfax, Leesburg, Falls Church, Sterling, Herndon, Winchester, Purcellville, and South Riding. Hogan & Sons Tire and Auto: URL
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