Freeze-thaw cycles make Waterloo Region roads especially rough on tires and wheels every spring. If you’ve just hit a hard pothole, here’s what’s worth checking right away.
Look at the tire itself
Check for any bulge or bubble on the sidewall — this means the internal structure has been damaged and the tire needs to be replaced, not repaired. Never drive on a tire with a visible bulge.
Check the wheel for damage
A hard enough hit can bend or crack a rim, especially on lower-profile tires with less sidewall to absorb the impact. A bent wheel often causes a vibration you can feel through the steering wheel.
Pay attention to how the car drives afterward
- Pulling to one side — possible alignment issue
- New vibration at speed — possible wheel or tire damage
- A clunking noise over bumps — possible suspension damage
Don’t wait if something feels off
A pothole strike that seems minor can hide a slow leak, a small bend, or an alignment shift that gets worse over weeks of driving. A quick inspection right after is much cheaper than dealing with uneven tire wear or a suspension repair months later.
Just hit a bad one? Bring it by 632 Colby Dr for a free check of your tires and wheels, or call (226) 698-1667.
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