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Hidden dangers your car may face: What's the culprit of damaged tires?
For many drivers, in addition to driving carefully when driving on the road, they should also pay attention to the road conditions. However, whether on the busy streets of cities or remote country lanes, the problem of damaged pavement is a hidden danger. Among them, one of the main culprits of tire damage is common road potholes. These potholes not only affect the driving experience, but also pose potential threats to the safety and performance of the car.
Potholes are generally caused by water erosion and the pressure of heavy vehicles. They will gradually expand, affecting the surrounding road surface and causing greater damage.
Causes of pothole formation
Potholes in the road are usually caused by a combination of several factors. First of all, water is one of the important causes. When water seeps into the soil beneath the roadbed, it weakens its support. Then, as the driving load of the vehicle continues to be applied, the road surface becomes damaged due to fatigue, leading to the formation of potholes. In cold areas, the process of freezing and thawing will aggravate the situation.
Main hazards of potholes
As potholes expand, their impact on vehicles becomes more and more significant. Especially when the depth and width of potholes reach a certain level, drivers may be at risk of punctured tires, bent wheels, or even damage to the suspension system.
According to a report by the American Automobile Association, in 2016 alone, approximately 16 million drivers lost more than $3 billion.
Why is the pothole problem so serious?
The formation of potholes is not just an accident. It is mainly caused by the following four factors:
- The road surface is not thick enough to bear the weight of vehicles during freezing and thawing periods.
- Drainage facilities are insufficient to effectively divert precipitation.
- Pavement defects caused by excavation for public facilities.
- Pavement defects and cracks are not maintained and sealed in a timely manner, resulting in water penetration.
How to prevent the formation of potholes on the road
Facing the increasingly serious problem of potholes, relevant departments can take the following measures to reduce the occurrence of potholes:
- Regularly check road conditions and detect potential dangers in a timely manner.
- Strengthen the drainage system to ensure good drainage on the road surface.
- Implement preventive maintenance measures to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement.
- Strengthen the management of excavation of public facilities to avoid affecting the road structure.
- Perform regular inspection and repair of road cracks.
Repair methods after damage
For existing potholes, repair methods mainly include temporary and semi-permanent repairs. Temporary repairs are often a simple approach during adverse weather conditions, while semi-permanent repairs require more advanced construction skills and investment in equipment.
According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, throwing and rolling repair techniques are the simplest temporary repair methods.
Costs and Impact
The damage caused by potholes to public roads not only affects the safety of drivers, but also requires huge funds to repair. One study estimates the cost of repairing potholes in the UK is £12 billion and rising.
Citizens’ reactions and actions
As pothole accidents continue to occur, many cities have begun to set up websites or mobile applications to facilitate citizens to report potholes and promote timely repairs. This approach not only increases citizen participation but also helps improve road conditions.
End
Faced with such severe road conditions and the attendant risk of damage, drivers, have you been aware of the potential threat of potholes and started to pay attention and check the road conditions you are driving on?
