Avoid roadside pitfalls

With a much-needed break in the intense drought that has ravaged many parts of the country, we are finally experiencing much needed rain. But, with the increased rains, many motorists are now unfortunately struggling to navigate the multitude of potholes that have opened up on the road networks.

A recent report from Eyewitness News said that approximately 6 out of every 10 cars taken to a tyre centre in Gauteng alone have been damaged due to potholes or road construction.

The number of tyre replacements has more than doubled when compared to 3 years ago and the Arrive Alive website estimates that poor road conditions in South Africa may be costing the economy as much as R18 billion a year in addition to the individual costs inflicted on road users.

Driving over hidden or unknown potholes can cause damage to vehicles of all shapes and sizes as many motorists will attest to. And in 80 percent of the cases when you hit a pothole it is your rim, one of the most safety critical items on your car, that gets damaged and not the tyre.

Les Mc Master, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says rim damage can often lead to other problems like vehicle alignment and suspension problems.

Craig Courtney-Leaver, CEO of Alloy rim repair specialists, Wheel Collision, agrees saying motorists need to know what to look out for.

“If the tyre has deflated this is an obvious sign the rim is damaged. If everything looks fine on the surface there are however other tell tale signs to check. Changes in the balancing and alignment are important to check for.

“If one feels a vibration in the steering wheel, the chances are one of the front rims are damaged and if one feels the vibration on the seat, then it’s is usually a rear rim,” says Courtney-Leaver. He says it is only in very severe cases that the suspension would be damaged.

Mc Master says unfortunately it is not always possible to prevent damage but it is advisable to know how best to solve the problem.

Rims can be very expensive, particularly with the current exchange rate, and it is not always essential to purchase a completely new rim provided you use a reputable supplier.”

Mc Master says motorists should consult their local manufacturer or fitment centre first to determine the extent of the damage and then ensure they are referred to a specialist rim repairer.

“It is essential that the repairer is SABS approved and if possible carries an approved ISO 9001 accreditation,” he says.

“Unfortunately not many repairers have x-ray technology and can repair according to a certain standard so one needs to select carefully.”

Mc Master provides some useful tips on how to avoid roadside pitfalls:

• Be extra cautious when there is water on the road as a pothole may be lurking beneath. If at all possible and if not endangering other motorists, rather drive around the puddle.
• If you do drive over a hole do not slam on brakes and this could compound the damage to your vehicle or cause an accident
• Hold the steering wheel firmly when driving over a pothole to avoid losing control
• If driving at night, ensure your headlights are clean as dips and potholes are harder to identify at night
• Do not swerve if you hit a hole as this could endanger other motorists.

“Should you suspect that you may have sustained damages to your rims but are unsure, feel free to call on an accredited MIWA shop for an evaluation. Most importantly, in the event of damage, remember to consider your repair options first, ahead of buying new rims. He also reminds motorists that any vehicle damage from road works and poor road conditions on the “N” roads can be addressed to the South African National Roads Agency and their insurer directly,” he concludes.

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