How To Protect Your Business & Customers Cars From Potholes

Key Takeaways:

• Beware of the dangers that potholes pose to your business and customers and take steps to avoid them.
• Potholes can severely damage cars, both cosmetically and structurally. They can damage your car’s tires, suspension, and alignment.
• Asphalt contractors can protect your business & customers’ cars from these pothole hazards by filling them in.
• The 309 Paving Services offers asphalt paving services to customers in East Peoria, IL, and the surrounding areas.

Happy customers bring business success. But what happens when their car gets damaged by a pothole on your driveway or parking lot? They might switch to your competitor, who offers better and safer outdoor spaces. That’s why you should regularly check the condition of your asphalt.

An asphalt contractor ensures your business is up to par and can withstand the elements, traffic, and wear and tear. By filling in potholes and repairing cracks in the asphalt, you can help keep your customers safe and keep them from switching to your rivals.

In this article, 309 Paving Services will discuss how an asphalt contractor can help to protect your business and your customers’ cars from the dangers of potholes.

What is a Pothole?

So, what exactly is a pothole? A pothole is a depression in the asphalt surface caused by water seeping into cracks in the pavement and then expanding when it freezes. As cars drive over these areas, the weight of the vehicles causes the asphalt to crumble away, leaving behind a hole.

Potholes vary from a few inches to several feet wide and can be found anywhere. They’re ubiquitous in areas that experience a lot of freeze-thaw cycles. But no matter where you live, you should take precautions against the danger of potholes to protect your business, your customers, and their vehicles!

Major Car Damages Caused by Potholes 

Hitting your car in a pothole can damage its steering, tires, suspension, and alignment. The impact of hitting a pothole can also cause cracks or chips in your windshield. In severe cases, hitting a pothole can even cause structural damage to your car. Let’s explore the potential damages to cars that can be caused by potholes in detail:

1. Steering Damage

Your car’s steering system allows you to control the direction of your vehicle. It comprises many components, including the steering wheel, steering column, and power steering pump. Hitting a pothole can damage any of these components, making it difficult or impossible to steer your car, depending on the severity of the impact.

2. Wheels & Tires

Hitting a pothole can cause punctures or blowouts in your tires. But even if your tires don’t suffer any immediate damage, the bump can cause them to misalign or go out of balance. It can bring premature wear and tear and even cause your tires to wobble or shake while driving.

3. Suspension & Shocks

Your car’s suspension system is designed to absorb the impact of bumps and potholes on the road. However, hitting a pothole can damage your car’s shocks or struts and cause your vehicle to handle poorly or pull to one side while driving. In extreme cases, the car’s structure can even suffer badly.

4. Windshield & Windows

You’re driving along, enjoying music, when suddenly, WHAM! A tiny rock hits your windshield as the car moving in front of you goes into a pothole in the road. The piece of debris from the pit is rolled back by the tires of that vehicle, cracking your front glass. And then, if you also hit that pothole hard enough, it can further shatter the screen and might also damage your car’s windows.

5. Body & Paint

Depending on the structure of the pothole, the jolt can chip or crack the paint. In extreme cases, it can even dent or crumple the metal. This damage is often more cosmetic than anything else, but it can still be expensive to repair.

6. Your Car’s Structure

Hitting a pothole can also damage your car’s structure. The force of the impact can loosen or break bolts, crack welds, or damage bushings. In severe incidents, it can even bend or twist the frame. This damage is usually costly to repair and decreases your car’s resale value since the structure cannot possibly be restored to its original shape, condition, and strength.

7. Losing Control of Your Car

If you hit a pothole, there’s a chance that you could lose control of your car. It is especially true if the pothole is deep or if you’re driving at high speeds. A pothole can also cause your vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic or off the road entirely.

8. Safety Hazard for Pedestrians

Potholes can also pose a serious hazard to pedestrians. If someone trips and falls in a pothole, they could sustain serious injuries. And if a driver swerves to avoid hitting a pedestrian and into a pothole, they could end up crashing into something else – like another car.

How to Prevent Potholes

Potholes may seem like minor nuisances, but they can cause a lot of damage. Don’t let potholes ruin your business by harming your customers or their cars. Taking simple precautions can protect your driveway from these hazards.

If you’re unsure whether your asphalt needs repairs, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have a professional take a look. An asphalt contractor has the experience and knowledge to assess the condition of your surface and make recommendations for repairs.

Here are some tips to prevent pothole damage:

• Inspect your property regularly for any potential hazards.
• If you see a pothole, mark it with a cone or flag, so your customers or employees can avoid it.
• Repair potholes as soon as possible.
• Have an asphalt contractor visit and survey your property to recommend the best course of action.

Also, check out our blog on the signs that it’s time for asphalt driveway repair to ensure your customers get the best experience visiting your business. You may also need to regularly seal coat and stripe your parking lot for aesthetics and safety purposes. An asphalt contractor can help protect your investment and keep your property looking its best!

Need Asphalt Paving Services in East Peoria, IL? No Problem!

Ready to take the plunge? Contact us for a free estimate on your asphalt paving project. 309 Paving Services has 15 years of experience serving East Peoria, IL. Our services include asphalt paving, patching, crack sealing, sealcoating, and parking lot striping. We’ll work with you to develop a plan that meets your needs and fits within your budget, and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the results. Our experienced professionals know how to get the job done right, so don’t wait – call us today!

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