A word that has been synonymous with this Winter is "pothole". The dreaded cavernous hole we so diligently try and avoid in and around New Jersey.
Sometimes they are totally unavoidable and other times swerving to avoid them could mean ending up in oncoming traffic.
Not only are these potholes a nuisance, they can wreak havoc on our vehicles. At our shop here in Morristown, we have seen the various damage degrees that have been done to cars and trucks.
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Paying attention to new noises, rattles and vibrations and reporting them to your mechanic, is a way to help avoid further damage and a potential future accident.
Things that can be affect are flat tires, wheel rim damage, misalignments ,ripped CV boots, broken axles ( yup, my mini van ), premature damage to tie rod ends, stabilizer links, control arms, ball joints, shocks, struts, exhaust and even airbag deployment .
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We need our vehicles to get us to and from work, school and play. Our roadways need to be safe and passable !
Potholes might start as small cracks and if left unattended, the bigger and deeper they grow- almost as if they are alive !
All roads are built to avoid accumulation of water with a slight crown in the middle which channels the water to the sides. Once there is an opening or crack from traffic wear, cuts from utility work, plows and freeze/heat cracks, water seeps into and under the pavement.
Our town is trying to keep up the numerous potholes and cracks-you can help out by reporting road issues and potholes to the State of NJ.
Drivers with vehicles damaged on State roads are eligible to file a pothole damage claim with the Department of Treasury . Applicants have 90 after the accident to ask for reimbursement. Make sure to gather all receipts and copies of police reports-take photos of damage and pothole, plus location on incident.
Drive slowly visit the State of NJ link provided to report any bad road conditions !
Thanks !
Braun's Automotive/ Morristown 973 538 3700
http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/potholeform.shtm
