Why You Should NEVER Brake While Hitting a Pothole!

The Common Mistake

Every driver has encountered potholes, those pesky road imperfections that can wreak havoc on your vehicle. The instinctive reaction when seeing a pothole is often to slam on the brakes, hoping to minimize the impact. However, this reaction can cause more harm than good. Braking while hitting a pothole can lead to serious damage to your vehicle and pose safety risks. Here’s why you should resist the urge to brake and what you should do instead.

The Science Behind It

When you brake while hitting a pothole, the front end of your car dips down, causing the suspension to compress. This action transfers more weight to the front wheels and reduces the suspension’s ability to absorb the impact. As a result, the force of the impact is concentrated on the wheels, tires, and suspension components, increasing the likelihood of damage. Additionally, braking reduces the car’s momentum, making it more susceptible to the jarring effects of the pothole.

Damage to Your Vehicle

Braking during a pothole impact can cause several types of damage to your vehicle:

1. Tire Damage: The sharp edges of a pothole can pinch the tire against the wheel, causing punctures, sidewall bulges, or even blowouts.
2. Wheel Damage: The force of the impact can bend or crack the wheel rim, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.
3. Suspension Damage: The sudden jolt can damage the suspension components, such as shock absorbers, struts, and control arms, compromising your vehicle’s handling and ride quality.
4. Alignment Issues: A hard hit can throw off your vehicle’s alignment, leading to uneven tire wear and poor handling.
5. Exhaust System Damage: In severe cases, the impact can damage the exhaust system, causing it to hang lower or even break.

Safety Concerns

Beyond the potential damage to your vehicle, braking while hitting a pothole can also pose safety risks:

1. Loss of Control: Sudden braking can cause your vehicle to lose traction, especially if the road is wet or slippery. This loss of control increases the risk of accidents.
2. Rear-End Collisions: If you brake abruptly when approaching a pothole, the vehicle behind you may not have enough time to react, leading to a rear-end collision.
3. Increased Stopping Distance: Hard braking increases the stopping distance, which can be dangerous in heavy traffic or on busy roads.

What You Should Do Instead

To protect your vehicle and ensure your safety, follow these tips when approaching a pothole:

1. Maintain a Safe Speed: Drive at a safe speed that allows you to react to potholes without the need for sudden braking.
2. Hold the Steering Wheel Firmly: Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to maintain control when driving over a pothole.
3. Slow Down Gradually: Instead of braking abruptly, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually before hitting the pothole.
4. Avoid Swerving: Swerving to avoid a pothole can lead to loss of control or collisions with other vehicles. If it’s safe, straddle the pothole or drive over it straight on.
5. Check Your Tires: Ensure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition, as well-maintained tires can better absorb the impact of potholes.

The Right Way to Handle Potholes

When you see a pothole ahead, reduce your speed gently and maintain control of your vehicle. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you to allow for more reaction time. If possible, straddle the pothole or drive over it slowly.

After driving over a pothole, check your vehicle for any signs of damage, such as vibrations, unusual noises, or a steering wheel that pulls to one side. If you notice any issues, have your vehicle inspected by a professional.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Fills in Pothole After He Says He Waited 3 Weeks

Conclusion

Braking while hitting a pothole is a common but harmful mistake that can lead to significant vehicle damage and safety risks. By understanding the impact of braking on your vehicle’s suspension and wheels, you can adopt safer driving habits. Remember to slow down gradually, maintain control, and inspect your vehicle after encountering potholes. These practices will help you protect your vehicle and ensure a safer driving experience.