Poor road conditions are prevalent in South Africa. Unfortunately, with increased rainfall, a lack of maintenance, and constant use, potholes are inevitable. It’s essential to keep these tips in mind to avoid falling victim to costly car repairs and replacements.
A guide on how to prevent pricey car repairs caused by potholes
With rain comes cracks and splits. Over time, they'll grow bigger, eventually developing into a pothole. When exposed to harsh weather and extreme temperatures, the road surface creates freeze-thaw cycles, causing it to crack. This allows water from rain to accumulate underneath the pavement's surface. Since the collected water has nowhere to go, the base support system of the road begins to erode and fail. It becomes problematic when puddles cover potholes and you cannot see them.
Road safety in South Africa
When it comes to road safety, some areas in South Africa are more prone to uneven road conditions and potholes than others, particularly where maintenance has been neglected for extended periods. Locals find many of the hazardous potholes in rural areas—more so than their urban counterparts—especially on roads between smaller towns and in locations frequently used by trucks.
The following factors can make potholes a serious threat to drivers:
- Wet roads: When it rains and puddles form, be aware that potholes lurk under a few. If you can, avoid driving over any puddles.
- Nighttime driving: Visibility is not your friend at this point. Even headlights from oncoming traffic will obscure your vision when looking out for potholes.
- Poor street lighting: Situations like power outages and a few out-of-service streetlights can hinder your ability to see the road and beyond.
- Road maintenance: Road maintenance signs may indicate there are more along the way, so keep an eye out for any that have not been repaired yet.
Check that your car is roadworthy
In order to keep your car roadworthy and safer on the roads, Arrive Alive suggests the following:
- Your tyres need to be inflated according to the manufacturer's recommendations. An inflated tyre acts as a cushion between your vehicle and a pothole. An under-inflated tyre won’t have enough resistance to withstand the impact of a pothole.
- Your suspension should be kept in good working order to ensure a stable vehicle and even tyre wear.
- Keep your view as clear as possible by cleaning your windscreen and window wipers, especially if rain is predicted.
- Make sure your headlights and tail lights are in working condition for better visibility.
- Regularly service and maintain your car.
Taking preventative measures will not only save you money in the long run but may also endanger other people on the road.
Practice safe driving techniques like a pro
Occasionally, you might miss a few potholes, but not to worry, there are ways to minimise the damage. By practising these specific driving techniques, you’ll be able to avoid costly repairs and/or causing a potential accident.
- Keeping an eye on traffic around you prior to avoiding a pothole is called defensive driving, which allows you to make manoeuvres without driving recklessly.
- Give yourself enough distance and time to react swiftly.
- Be alert and avoid distractions.
- Reduce your speed when visibility is at its lowest, especially when you’re driving in the rain or during the night.
- A safe following distance would mean leaving enough space (more than 3 seconds worth) between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
- By driving at or slightly below a reasonable speed, you’re likely to reduce the damage caused by potholes. However, keep in mind that size does matter.
- If there is no way around avoiding a pothole. Treat it as if it were a speed bump to avoid damaging your tyres, rims, or undercarriage.
- Try avoiding braking over a pothole.
- Place your hands firmly on your steering wheel so that you have complete control.
- Avoid abrupt and aggressive swerving - it’s easier to drive over a pothole than cause a collision or head-on accident.
Why you need vehicle maintenance
A Car Maintenance checklist is what helps you follow through on car upkeep. Any time you suspect something is wrong with your vehicle, it’s worth getting a second opinion.
You can save a lot of time and money on car repairs with either a car Maintenance Plan or a Service Plan. A Maintenance Plan covers wear-and-tear items not included in a Service Plan, while a Service Plan ensures all items listed by the OEM stay in working condition. To find the right quote for your needs and budget, you can compare motor plan quotes through MotorHappy.
If your tyres are damaged by unexpected potholes, you qualify for special discounts on a new set of tyres and your next car rental with MotorHappy DRIVE, a rewards and benefits programme. Anyone with a car is welcome to sign up for free, regardless of whether you are interested in purchasing a plan or just getting started.
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