Why You Should Avoid Potholes

From Jefferson Street to Elm Avenue, Roanoke drivers know potholes are a part of everyday life – but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. At Mercedes-Benz of Roanoke, we’ve seen the costly and frustrating damage these road hazards can cause to precision-engineered vehicles. That’s why the experts at our dealership have created a guide to inform our customers about how they can avoid potholes, why potholes are so harmful, and how they affect their Mercedes-Benz. We are taking a comprehensive approach, so you’ll also find useful information on symptoms of pothole damage and when to schedule service.

Whether you're driving a GLE, a C-Class, or a fully electric EQS, knowing how to protect your vehicle from pothole damage can save you thousands.

What Exactly Happens When You Hit a Pothole?

When your vehicle hits a pothole, it's not just a bump in the road – it's a sudden, forceful impact. That impact transfers energy directly to the wheel, suspension, and alignment systems. Mercedes-Benz vehicles are designed for precision, comfort, and performance, which means their suspension systems are finely tuned. A pothole strike can easily knock those systems out of alignment or worse.

Here’s what may be affected:

• Tires: Sidewall Bulges, Punctures, or Internal Separation
• Wheels: Cracks or Bends in Alloy Wheels
• Suspension: Broken Shocks, Bent Struts, or Damaged Control Arms
• Alignment: Uneven Tire Wear and Poor Handling
• Exhaust and Undercarriage: Scrapes, Punctures, or Dislodged Components

Potholes in Roanoke: A Local Problem with Real Consequences

Roanoke experiences freeze-thaw cycles and heavy seasonal rain – both perfect conditions for pothole formation. As water seeps into cracks and expands, roads break down quickly. While the city works to repair potholes, many still pose hazards for drivers of luxury vehicles.

While pothole damage can impact any vehicle, high-performance German engineering can be especially sensitive to misalignment and wheel damage. If you commute on I-581 or Blue Ridge Parkway daily, it’s worth paying close attention to where you're driving.

How Potholes Can Damage Your Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are built with advanced multi-link suspension systems, aluminum alloy wheels, and low-profile performance tires. These components prioritize precision and comfort – but they can also be more susceptible to pothole damage.

Here’s what pothole damage looks like:

• Pulling or Drifting while Driving Straight
• Steering Wheel Off-Center or Vibration at High Speeds
• Visible Tire Damage (bulges or uneven tread)
• TPMS Warning Light from a Slow Air Leak
• Strange Noises from the Undercarriage or Suspension

If you notice any of these after a pothole encounter, it’s time to visit our certified service center at Mercedes-Benz of Roanoke.

Tips for Avoiding Potholes in Roanoke

Driving defensively is the first step toward avoiding pothole damage. Here’s what we recommend to protect your Mercedes-Benz:

• Slow down in bad weather: Rain or snow can conceal deep potholes.
• Keep a safe following distance: You’ll have more time to react if the vehicle in front of you swerves.
• Avoid puddles: That “small puddle” may be a tire-busting crater.
• Always be alert: Even if you know the road, potholes can form overnight, affecting the path you know very well.
• Watch for construction zones: In areas where there’s constant construction, uneven surfaces are common. Watch for potholes here.
• Keep your tires properly inflated: If your tires aren’t at the correct PSI, they can be more susceptible to sidewall damage.

Pro tip: If you can’t avoid the pothole, don’t slam on your brakes. Instead, gently brake before the impact and release as you pass over to help your suspension absorb the shock.

What to Do After Hitting a Pothole

Even a seemingly minor hit can cause damage that gets worse over time. Here’s what to do:

• Pull over safely and inspect your wheels and tires.
• Check for warning lights like TPMS or traction control alerts.
• Document the pothole if it caused visible damage. You may be eligible to file a claim with the city.
• Schedule an inspection with our Mercedes-Benz certified technicians.

If your vehicle feels different after hitting a pothole – even if you don’t see any damage – it's worth having it checked. An unaddressed alignment issue or bent rim can lead to long-term damage or tire blowouts.

Why Choose Mercedes-Benz of Roanoke for Pothole Damage Repair?

When it comes to keeping your Mercedes-Benz running the way it should for miles to come, it’s important to get it serviced by technicians who are specially trained in its diagnostics, parts, and specifications. Trust the expert technicians at our service center to take care of your vehicle’s suspension, wheel, and tire systems – they know them inside and out. With genuine OEM parts, precision diagnostics, and state-of-the-art alignment tools, you can rest assured your vehicle is always in good hands with us.

Plus, we’re local – so we know what Roanoke roads can do to a Mercedes-Benz. Whether you need a simple wheel alignment or a full suspension inspection, we’ve got you covered.

Schedule Mercedes-Benz Service in Roanoke, VA

Potholes aren’t going anywhere – but damage to your Mercedes-Benz doesn’t have to be inevitable. Schedule service at Mercedes-Benz of Roanoke today and let our expert team keep your ride smooth, safe, and pothole-ready in Roanoke, VA.

Call us or book your appointment online – your suspension will thank you.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.