How Damaged Asphalt Leads to Damaged Vehicles

Damaged asphalt is more than just an eyesore. The fact is that damaged asphalt can lead to damaged vehicles. And if you own a parking lot or are responsible for roadway maintenance, that potential damage is something to be concerned about. Before you put off having that damaged asphalt repaired, just consider what could happen to the vehicles that travel on bad pavement:

• Tire damage – Potholes are the biggest culprit when it comes to damaging tires. And the bigger the pothole, the worse it gets. The jagged edges of these holes in the asphalt can literally cut through the rubber of even the most durable tire. This is especially true for potholes on roadways, where vehicles are usually traveling at higher rates of speed.
• Cracked windshields and more – Almost all of us have experienced this at one time or another. You’re driving along the road and all of a sudden a rock hits your windshield. But crumbling asphalt can cause more than just windshield damage. Gravel can scratch paint and can actually damage the undercarriage of a vehicle.
• Suspension – Potholes aren’t just hard on tires; they can also throw a vehicle out of alignment, damage shocks and struts, and even break ball joints. Once again, the faster the vehicle is traveling, the worse the damage will be.
• Exhaust system – The deeper the pothole in your paved surface, the more likely it is that it will cause a vehicle’s exhaust system to be damaged. This is especially true for passenger cars with tailpipes that sit closer to the ground.
• Transmission and brake lines – You may think that the minor depressions in your asphalt pavement are nothing to worry about, but when puddles form on the surface, that can cause hydroplaning. And when a vehicle hydroplanes, it can cause gears to slip and damage the transmission. Worse yet, water can get into the brake lines of a vehicle and ultimately cause the brakes to fail.

If your pavement consists of a driveway in front of your own residence, then it’s just common sense to keep your vehicles safe by maintaining the asphalt surface. But if you own a business with an adjacent asphalt parking lot, or if you’re responsible for roadway maintenance, it’s even more important to act promptly and have the asphalt surface repaired and maintained properly. For more information about how to best care for asphalt pavement, contact a local reputable paving contractor today and schedule an appointment.