Fixing Alignment & Suspension Damage After Pothole Season

Spring may bring blooming trees and warmer roads, but it also brings something far less welcome: potholes. After a long winter of rain, snow, and freezing temperatures, potholes form in force—and if you've been driving around town this season, chances are you've hit a few. Unfortunately, those jarring bumps in the road can do more than shake your coffee. They can seriously affect your vehicle's alignment, suspension, and overall handling.

At Japanese Auto Service (JAS), we see a spike in alignment and suspension issues every spring. Here’s what you need to know about the hidden damage potholes can cause—and why getting your car inspected early can save you money and keep you safe.

What Potholes Can Damage

When your car hits a pothole, even at low speed, the sudden impact can throw your vehicle’s systems out of balance. While your tires take the brunt of the hit, the ripple effect can reach deeper into your vehicle's suspension and steering systems.

Potholes can cause damage to:

• Wheel Alignment – Sudden jolts can knock wheels out of spec, leading to uneven tire wear and steering issues.
  

• Suspension Components – Shocks, struts, ball joints, and control arms can be bent, cracked, or weakened.
  

• Tires and Rims – Sidewall bulges, punctures, or bent rims may go unnoticed but lead to blowouts later.
  

• Steering System – Impacts can loosen or misalign steering linkages, which affects your vehicle’s response and control.
  

Some of this damage isn’t immediately obvious, which is why a post-winter inspection is always a smart move.

Signs Something’s Off

You don’t have to be a mechanic to know something feels “off” in your car. If you’ve recently hit a pothole—or a few—it’s worth watching for these telltale symptoms:

• Your car pulls to one side while driving.

• You feel vibrations in the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds.

• Your vehicle seems to bounce more or ride rougher than usual.

• There’s a noticeable “nose dive” when braking—a classic sign of worn shocks or struts.

• You notice uneven tire wear, which can happen quickly if alignment is off.
  

If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to book an inspection.

Why It Pays to Catch It Early

Ignoring small problems can lead to bigger, costlier repairs down the road. For example, a misaligned wheel can wear out tires much faster than normal—sometimes in just a few thousand miles. Damaged suspension parts can reduce your ability to stop quickly or steer safely, especially in wet or emergency situations.

Getting your vehicle checked early helps:

• Extend the life of your tires and suspension parts

• Improve fuel efficiency and handling

• Prevent surprise repairs and safety hazards

• Keep your car driving smooth and straight

What to Expect During a Repair at Japanese Auto Service

At Japanese Auto Service, our ASE-certified technicians take a thorough approach to pothole season repairs. We’ll:

1. Perform a digital alignment check to measure any deviation from factory specifications.
   

2. Inspect suspension components like shocks, struts, control arms, and bushings for wear or damage.
   

3. Check tires and rims for cracks, bulges, or punctures that may not be visible at first glance.
   

4. Test drive your vehicle to confirm handling, braking, and ride feel.
   

You’ll get a clear explanation of what we find, along with recommendations that prioritize your safety and budget. We only suggest the work that’s necessary to get your car back in top shape.

Think your car might be feeling the effects of pothole season? Don’t wait for that uneven tire wear or shaky steering to get worse. Call Japanese Auto Service for an expert inspection and honest advice from technicians who specialize in Japanese makes like Toyota, Subaru, Honda, and Lexus.

Book your spring suspension and alignment check today—because your car deserves the same care and attention as you do. 

Call Japanese Auto Service or Click to get an estimate.