DETROIT – It’s peak pothole season in Michigan, and one bad hit can cost you hundreds -- even thousands -- of dollars, according to AJ Amer Halwani, owner of Midas in Southfield.
“It may feel like just a bump in the road,” Halwani said, “But in reality, one pothole can cost you from $300 to thousands of dollars in repairs.”
From bent rims and blown tires to damaged suspensions, Halwani says his bays are full of pothole victims. But he also says there are three simple things drivers can do right now to lower their risk.
1. Keep up with routine maintenance
Halwani says your overall vehicle health matters more than most people realize.
“It’s going to start with proper maintenance,” he said. “You want to get your oil changes done and if you have anything come up, make sure you address it.”
Worn-out parts and ignored warning signs can make your car more vulnerable when it slams into a deep hole in the road. Staying on top of regular maintenance helps your suspension and steering components better absorb the impact.
2. Check your tires -- and know what damage looks like
Your tires are the first line of defense against potholes.
In Halwani’s shop, one customer’s tire showed a chunk missing from the sidewall after a pothole hit -- clear, dangerous damage.
“The sidewall is pretty much the structure of the tire,” Halwani explained. “You can see the gash missing.”
Other problems are easier to miss. Another tire from the same car showed a bubble in the sidewall, a sign of internal damage that can lead to a blowout.
Drivers should also check tread wear indicators — small raised bars in the grooves of the tire.
“On every tire there are wear indicators,” Halwani said. “The closer you are to that bar, the lower your tread life is.”
The newer and healthier your tires, the better chance they have of surviving a hard hit from a pothole.
3. Stay alert behind the wheel
Even with good maintenance and strong tires, how you drive still matters.
“Lastly, just stay alert,” Halwani said. “Being off your phone. Just paying attention to the road, so if you do see something, you can avoid it.”
Scanning the road ahead gives you more time to slow down, steer around a pothole when it’s safe, or at least reduce the impact.
Bonus tip: Plan for the financial hit
When asked if he had any other advice for drivers, Halwani pointed to financial preparation.
“Invest in a protection plan or extended warranty. Midas offers a free lifetime warranty with all purchases,” he said. “Also, set aside an emergency fund, so if something does happen, you can address it without setting you back.”
The bottom line
From Waterford to Southfield, Michigan drivers are dodging craters that can wreak havoc on their vehicles. Halwani says a few simple steps now -- routine maintenance, tire checks, staying alert and planning ahead financially -- can dramatically reduce the odds of a nasty surprise bill, or at least make it easier to handle when the inevitable pothole finally wins.