What causes Michigan Potholes
Potholes can occur in any region or climate, but they’re especially prominent in areas known for ice, snow, and below-freezing temperatures at this time of year. The freezing and thawing cycles allow moisture to seep into the road surface, which causes the road to crumble.
Michigan Potholes prevention
There’s not much that can prevent the deterioration of the driving surface. There are some things you can do to protect yourself:
- Try to limit your travel to roads, you know very well. That knowledge could keep you from hitting a pothole and severely damaging your car.
- When driving at night, try to go on well-lit roads so you can see the road surface.
- Please slow down and give yourself a chance to see the pothole and avoid it.
- If you hit a pothole, carefully inspect your tires and wheels for possible damage. Note how your car handles in the aftermath. If it pulls to one side or if you feel a wobble in the steering, you may need to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic.
- If you must hit a pothole, do your braking before impact. There’s minor damage when a tire rolls than skidding over a hole during braking.
How do you know if you have damage?
If you find yourself unable to avoid driving through a pothole, check for damage as soon as you can. Auto damage warning signs may include bulging tires, bent rims, dents, or tire leaks. If you notice your car shaking or bouncing, there may be shock absorption or suspension issues.
While the damage to your car may have coverage under the collision portion of your Michigan auto insurance policy, there are some things to remember. It might not be covered if the damage is to the tire only. Damage to the vehicle is subject to the collision deductible.
Where to report Michigan pothole claims
Finally, if you hit a pothole and need to make a claim, filing information can be found at Where to make a Michigan Pothole Claim.
