Ah, the fall road trip. It's a Canadian classic for a reason, and with international travel restrictions still in place, now is the perfect time to explore our own backyard!
Before setting off on your fall road trip, you want to make sure your vehicle is as road trip ready as you. Booking a service inspection with a Toyota University trained technician will help give you peace of mind on your journey.
But some small bumps in the road are unavoidable. Potholes created in the spring can often still be a hazard in the fall before maintenance crews get a chance to fix them.
Here are 5 tips to keep you and your vehicle safe should you encounter a pothole on your fall road trip.
5 Tips to Deal with Potholes
Don't Hit the Brakes
When you see a pothole up ahead, your first instinct might be to swerve or hit the brakes. Fighting this instinct, slowing down and releasing your brake pedal before hitting the hole will help reduce the impact and the load on your Toyota's suspension.
Resist the Urge to Swerve
When trying to avoid a pothole, pay close attention to the traffic around you. If you have space and time to avoid contact, try to move smoothly and slowly. Sudden jerks could cause more damage to your vehicle or for you to lose control, causing an accident.
Proper Pressure is Key
Having the correct air pressure in your tires won't guarantee that you'll avoid damage, but having the proper tire pressure is your best chance to reduce it. Unsure what pressure your tires should be at? Check the manufactures specs located on the edge of your driver's door. Doing a monthly check of your tire air pressure can save you a lot of grief and help protect your Toyota should you hit a surprise pothole.
Check your tire alignment regularly
Should you connect with one, some pothole damage may be visually noticeable — like body damage — but there could also be unseen damage like your tires being misaligned. This might not sound like a big deal, but not having your wheels aligned can cause your tires to wear quickly and unevenly, leading them to be replaced more frequently. Should you hit some nasty potholes along your travels, bring your vehicle in to a Toyota trained technician for a wheel alignment, and we'll make sure everything is square.
Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Potholes can affect your Toyota's suspension, body, wheels, and undercarriage. Hitting a wrong pothole the wrong way can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage within seconds. That's why it's so important to keep up with your Toyota maintenance schedule. Bringing your vehicle in for service at the recommended intervals — every 6 months or 8,000 km, whichever comes first — will help identify any issues that may pop up.
These simple tricks — along with your trusted Toyota University trained technicians — will keep your vehicle running smoothly while you and your family explore the great white north. Happy and safe travels!
