Find out how driving on bad roads can damage your vehicle – from tires and suspension to the braking system and even the underbody.
In India, potholes, broken roads, and uneven surfaces are a common sight while driving. These roads don’t just make your journey uncomfortable, they can also cause serious damage to different parts of your car or bike. Let’s take a look at how bad roads affect your vehicle:
1. Impact on the Suspension System
Driving over potholes and uneven roads puts extra strain on the suspension. Over time, the shock absorbers can weaken, making your ride less comfortable.
2. Damage to Tires and Alloy Wheels
Frequent jolts and deep potholes can cause tires to wear out faster and even develop cracks. In some cases, alloy wheels may bend or get damaged too.
3. Steering Control Issues
Broken and uneven roads can disturb the steering alignment of your vehicle. This makes it harder to keep the car straight, forcing you to constantly adjust the steering while driving.
4. Pressure on the Braking System
Frequent jolts and sudden braking put extra strain on the brakes. This causes the brake pads to wear out faster and reduces their overall efficiency.
5. Exhaust and Underbody Damage
On uneven roads, the underside of the vehicle often scrapes against the surface. This can damage parts like the exhaust pipe, fuel tank, or underbody plates.
6. Impact on Fuel Efficiency
Driving on pothole-ridden and broken roads means frequent gear changes and constant braking, which increases fuel consumption and reduces mileage.
7. Higher Long-Term Maintenance Costs
Regular driving on bad roads reduces the overall lifespan of your vehicle. Over time, this leads to frequent repairs and significantly higher maintenance expenses. Tips to Protect Your Vehicle from Bad Roads
Tips to Protect Your Vehicle from Bad Roads
- Avoid potholes whenever possible – Slow down and steer carefully to reduce impact.
- Maintain correct tire pressure – Proper inflation helps absorb shocks and prevents tire damage.
- Get suspension and wheel alignment checked regularly – Timely inspections keep your ride safe and stable.
- Consider underbody protection coating – This adds an extra layer of safety against scrapes and rust.
Conclusion: Bad roads don’t just make your journeys exhausting – they slowly damage your vehicle and increase your maintenance costs. Drive carefully and never skip regular servicing to keep your car in good shape.
