Hit a Pothole in Maryland? 5 Tire Problems You Should Check Immediately

Maryland winters and heavy rain leave our roads full of potholes, and hitting one at speed can do real damage in a split second. If you clipped a bad one around Edgewater or Annapolis, here are the five things to check right away before a small problem turns into a blowout.

Look at the tread and especially the sidewall for cuts, gouges, or a bulge. A bulge means the internal structure is damaged and the tire can fail without warning — replace it, don't drive on it.

Check your tire pressure or watch for a low-pressure warning light. A slow leak from a pothole impact is common and easy to miss until the tire is nearly flat.

Potholes can bend or crack an alloy wheel. If you feel a rhythmic vibration or the tire won't hold air even after a patch, the rim may be the real problem.

If your car pulls to one side or the steering wheel sits crooked, the impact may have thrown off your alignment. Driving on it wears your tires unevenly and fast.

A shaking steering wheel after a pothole usually points to a knocked-off balance weight or a bent wheel. It's a quick thing for us to diagnose and fix.

Not sure how bad it is? Drive in or call us — we'll check all five in a few minutes and get you back on the road safely.