The Impact of Potholes: Protecting Your Vehicle This Spring

As the Spring weather settles in across the state, so do the potholes left behind by freezing temperatures, moisture, and traffic. These unsightly and dangerous road hazards can cause serious damage to your vehicle, from bent rims and suspension issues to sudden flat tires. At Doug Yates Towing & Recovery, we see firsthand how pothole-related incidents impact drivers and we’re here to help when trouble strikes.

Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire or more extensive damage, our professional team provides reliable and responsive towing service to get you back on the road quickly. Here, we will break down how potholes form, what kind of damage they cause, how to avoid them, and how Doug Yates Towing & Recovery can be your trusted roadside partner this spring.

What Causes Potholes

Potholes are formed when moisture seeps into cracks in the road surface. When the temperature drops, the moisture freezes and expands, causing the pavement to break apart. As vehicles drive over these weakened spots, the road deteriorates further, eventually creating a pothole.

Spring is particularly problematic because the freeze-thaw cycles of late winter and early spring accelerate pothole formation. This seasonal hazard becomes an unfortunate part of daily driving, especially in high-traffic areas.

Common Vehicle Damage From Potholes

Hitting a pothole can be more than just a bump in the road, it can lead to serious mechanical issues and costly repairs. Here are some of the most common types of vehicle damage caused by potholes:

1. Flat Tires – The most immediate and obvious issue. A sharp impact from a pothole can rupture a tire or cause a slow leak that eventually leads to a flat. If you’re stranded with a flat, our roadside service is available 24/7 to assist.
2. Bent Rims – Aluminum rims, in particular, are susceptible to bending when they hit a deep pothole. A bent rim can compromise your tire’s seal and lead to air loss or uneven tire wear.
3. Suspension Problems – Your car’s suspension system absorbs bumps and helps maintain stability. A significant pothole impact can damage shocks, struts, or alignment—resulting in an uncomfortable ride and additional wear on your tires.
4. Alignment Issues – Misaligned wheels cause uneven tire wear and can affect your vehicle’s handling. If your steering wheel pulls to one side or your car drifts, a pothole might be the reason.

How To Protect Your Vehicle This Spring

While you can’t control the road conditions, you can take steps to minimize the risk of pothole-related damage:

1. Stay Alert – Keep your eyes on the road and watch for potholes, especially after rainstorms when they may be hard to see becuase of puddles.
2. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure – Check your tire pressure regularly. Overinflated or underinflated tires are more prone to damage.
3. Slow Down – Avoid speeding in areas where potholes are common. Slower speeds give you more time to react and reduce the force of impact.
4. Avoid Sudden Braking – Braking right before hitting a pothole causes the vehicle’s weight to shift forward, increasing the impact on your front tires.
5. Schedule Regular Inspections – Routine maintenance helps catch suspension or alignment issues early, reducing long-term damage and improving your car’s safety.

When Trouble Strikes: Trust Doug Yates Towing & Recovery

Even with the best precautions, pothole damage can still catch you off guard. When it does, you need a towing company that responds quickly, professionally, and efficiently. That’s where Doug Yates Towing & Recovery comes in.

We’re proud to be one of Tennessee’s most trusted names in towing and roadside assistance. Whether you need a quick flat tire repair, roadside assistance, or a full tow to a nearby service center, we’re just a phone call away. Here’s why drivers choose Doug Yates Towing & Recovery:

• 24/7 Emergency Service – Our team is available around the clock to provide emergency towing service when you need it most.
• Experienced Technicians – Our trained and certified operators know how to handle roadside emergencies safely and efficiently, whether it’s changing a flat or recovering a vehicle from a hazardous location.
• Modern Equipment – We use state-of-the-art tow trucks and tools to protect your vehicle and ensure fast, damage-free service.
• Local, Trusted Service – Searching for a “towing company near me”? Doug Yates Towing & Recovery has served the local community for decades. We’re known for our reliability, fast response times, and customer-first approach.

What To Do If You Hit A Pothole

If you hit a pothole, take the following steps to assess damage and ensure your safety:

1. Pull Over Safely: If you notice a flat tire or feel your car driving differently, pull over in a safe area.
2. Inspect Your Tires and Rims: Check for visible damage, air loss, or bulges in the tire wall.
3. Call for Help: Contact Doug Yates Towing & Recovery for immediate roadside assistance or towing.
4. Report the Pothole: If safe to do so, report the pothole to your local public works department to help protect other drivers.

Preventative Maintenance Matters

One of the best ways to avoid unexpected breakdowns this Spring is through proactive vehicle maintenance. After the harsh winter months, consider scheduling a professional inspection to check your alignment, suspension, and tires. Early detection can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major headache. And if something goes wrong despite your best efforts, remember: Doug Yates Towing & Recovery is here to help.

Need Roadside Assistance? Call Us Today!

Potholes are an unfortunate part of driving—but they don’t have to ruin your day. By staying alert, maintaining your vehicle, and knowing who to call when you’re in trouble, you can navigate pothole season with confidence.

Doug Yates Towing & Recovery offers reliable towing service, expert flat tire repair, and fast response times. So the next time you search for “towing company near me”, remember that our professional team is standing by 24/7, ready to help.

If you need assistance or want to learn more about our services, give us a call today or visit our website. Let Doug Yates Towing & Recovery keep you safe, supported, and on the road this spring.