Potholes are inevitable on roads in Manitoba – and that’s why it’s so important for drivers to know how to navigate them.
When a massive crater is disguised as a harmless puddle, that can be a real hazard to your vehicle and your safety.
When driving on roads riddled with potholes, it’s important to drive cautiously, take it slow, and stay in control.
Tips to save your vehicle from pothole damage
Scan the road ahead. A pothole will do less damage if you spot it early.
Tip: On puddle-filled roads, avoid the curb lane, if possible, as that is where potholes tend to form.
Avoid sudden maneuvers. Swerving to avoid a pothole or braking suddenly can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, which can lead to a collision. Sudden maneuvers also increase the risk of collisions with other vehicles. When a pothole is unavoidable, it’s best to drive over it (and do the following three tips!).
1. Slow down. Slowing down will give you more control to steer around a pothole or minimize the shock to your vehicle’s suspension system when rolling over the pothole.
2. Hold on tight! Grip your steering wheel firmly to stay in control and prevent your vehicle from swerving or veering off the road.
3. Coast…don’t brake. If you can’t completely avoid a pothole, slowly roll over it. Braking suddenly right before or while driving over the pothole can increase the risk of damage to your rims, tires and suspension. Braking also causes the vehicle to dive forward, which increases the impact.
If your vehicle is damaged by a pothole, you can submit a non-collision claim.