Automobile Enthusiasts

TheBlackAdder

(28,833 posts) Thu Jul 4, 2024, 09:17 AM Jul 2024

Potholes: Speeds from 15 to 25 MPH -or- braking might damage tire or wheel. Braking is the worst.

Braking is the worst, by transferring downward force to the front tires and suspension.

Slow speeds, feel the pothole, but won't damage the wheel or tire.
Moderate slow residential speeds might bend the wheel.
Higher speeds will effectively float over the pothole, not allowing much time for the wheel to drop.

3 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Potholes: Speeds from 15 to 25 MPH -or- braking might damage tire or wheel. Braking is the worst. (Original Post) TheBlackAdder Jul 2024 OP

interesting Kali Jul 2024 #1

At a good speed the suspension Old Crank Jul 2024 #3

I have always tried to brake before Old Crank Jul 2024 #2

Kali

(55,685 posts)

1. interesting

Reply to TheBlackAdder (Original post)

Thu Jul 4, 2024, 12:27 PM

Jul 2024

sort of relates to driving a washboard dirt road

Old Crank

(4,532 posts)

3. At a good speed the suspension

Reply to Kali (Reply #1)

Thu Jul 4, 2024, 04:39 PM

Jul 2024

doesn't have time to overcome inertia. So it feels smoother in the car.

In Death Valley several years ago I caught a rock in a turn on a dirt road and lost a tire. The rock is the oposite of the pothole and damaged the tire. But not the alloy wheel.

Old Crank

(4,532 posts)

2. I have always tried to brake before

Reply to TheBlackAdder (Original post)

Thu Jul 4, 2024, 04:36 PM

Jul 2024

a pot hole. Just before hitting it come off the brake and give it some gas to help unload the front end a bit.

But you have to watch the road ahead and be ready.

Reply to this discussion