Winter weather can take a heavy toll on the roads in Clifton Park and across the Capital Region, leaving behind dreaded potholes. As we head into spring, your vehicle's tires and alignment are especially vulnerable to pothole damage. Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clifton Park is here to help you avoid pothole pitfalls with a spring tire and alignment checkup. Learn more and then schedule your appointment today.
The Perils of Potholes
Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the road, then expands and contracts with freezing and thawing cycles. This process creates gaps under the pavement that cave in under the weight of vehicles, creating jarring potholes. Around the Albany area, the harsh winter conditions lead to a proliferation of potholes come springtime.
Hitting a pothole, even at low speeds, can cause serious harm to your tires and wheels. A pothole impact can puncture or bubble a tire's sidewall, break the belts inside the tire, bend or crack the wheel, knock off the vehicle's balance and more. Drivers from near the East Glenville area should be extra vigilant, as rural roads can have some of the biggest potholes.
Inspect Your Tires
After a long winter, it's wise to give your vehicle's tires a thorough inspection before traveling, especially if you’re replacing your snow tires. Check the tire pressures and inflate them to the recommended PSI if needed. Examine the sidewalls for any cuts, bulges, bubbles or cracking. Look for uneven tread wear, which can indicate an alignment issue or worn suspension component.
Tread depth is critical for tires to perform properly, especially in wet spring conditions. Do the penny test: place a penny in a tread groove with Lincoln's head down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too worn and it's time for new tires. Catching tire issues early can prevent further damage and keep you safe on Albany roads.
Check Your Alignment
If a pothole impact has knocked your vehicle's alignment out of spec, you may notice the steering wheel is off-center or the vehicle pulls to one side. Misalignment can also cause uneven and rapid tire wear. An alignment check will reveal if the angles of the tires have shifted out of manufacturer specification.
During an alignment service appointment, one of our certified technicians will make precise adjustments to your vehicle's suspension to bring the angles back into proper alignment. This will restore proper steering control and help prevent premature tire wear. If you suspect you have an alignment problem, don't wait to get it checked out.
Schedule Your Spring Checkup Appointment Online
At Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clifton Park, our factory-trained technicians can perform a full inspection of your vehicle's tires and alignment. We can catch any hidden damage from potholes or winter conditions and get your vehicle back in optimal shape for spring driving. When you need tires, we carry a full selection from top brands for all makes and models.
Schedule your spring vehicle checkup online at Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clifton Park today. You can arrange your appointment from the comfort of your home through our form. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team over the phone during our convenient business hours. Our dealership is conveniently located at 1780 Route 9 in Clifton Park, NY. We'll help you steer clear of pothole damage and drive with confidence this spring.