Spring Pothole Damage Mississauga – Tire & Suspension Help

Spring Pothole Damage: Tire & Suspension Issues After Winter in Mississauga

Every spring, Mississauga roads reveal the damage from freeze-thaw cycles: potholes everywhere. From Hurontario Street to Dundas, Erin Mills Parkway to Lakeshore Road, these road hazards cause thousands of dollars in vehicle damage each year.

Here’s what Mississauga drivers need to know about pothole damage, warning signs to watch for, and when to call for roadside assistance.

Table of Contents

• Why Potholes Are Worse After Winter
• Signs of Tire Damage
• Suspension & Alignment Problems
• What to Do After Hitting a Pothole
• When You Need a Tow
• Prevention Tips
• FAQs

Why Potholes Are Worse After Winter in Mississauga

Mississauga’s winter weather creates the perfect conditions for pothole formation. Water seeps into small cracks in the asphalt, freezes and expands, then contracts when it thaws. This cycle repeats dozens of times each winter, breaking apart the road surface.

By spring, what was a small crack becomes a tire-swallowing pothole. The worst areas typically include:

• Hurontario Street (especially near construction zones)
• Dundas Street intersections
• Residential streets in older neighborhoods
• Highway on/off ramps
• Parking lots and side streets

Signs of Tire Damage from Potholes

Immediate Flat Tire

The most obvious sign is a sudden flat. If your tire goes flat immediately after hitting a pothole, pull over safely and call for tire change service or inspect your spare.

Sidewall Bulges

A bulge or bubble on your tire’s sidewall indicates internal damage. The tire’s structural integrity is compromised, and it could blow out at highway speeds. Do not drive on a tire with sidewall damage.

Slow Leaks

Sometimes pothole damage causes a slow leak that isn’t immediately obvious. Signs include:

• TPMS warning light coming on repeatedly
• Needing to add air more frequently
• Tire looking slightly low in the morning

Bent or Cracked Rims

Aluminum alloy wheels can crack or bend when hitting a pothole hard. Check for visible damage around the rim edge and any new vibrations while driving.

Suspension & Alignment Problems

Potholes don’t just damage tires. The impact can affect your entire suspension system.

Warning Signs

• Pulling to one side: Your car drifts left or right when driving straight
• Vibration in steering wheel: New shaking, especially at certain speeds
• Uneven tire wear: One edge wearing faster than the other
• Clunking or rattling sounds: Noise when going over bumps
• Bouncy ride: Car continues bouncing after hitting bumps
• Steering feels loose: Less responsive than normal

Components at Risk

• Shocks and struts
• Control arms and ball joints
• Tie rods
• Wheel bearings
• CV joints (especially on front-wheel drive vehicles)

If you notice any of these symptoms, have your vehicle inspected before continued driving causes more damage.

What to Do After Hitting a Pothole

Step 1: Pull Over Safely

If it was a hard impact, find a safe place to stop and inspect your vehicle. Turn on hazard lights if you’re on the roadside.

Step 2: Check Your Tires

Walk around your vehicle and visually inspect all four tires. Look for:

• Obvious flats or low tires
• Bulges on sidewalls
• Cuts or gouges
• Damage to rims

Step 3: Test Drive Carefully

If tires look okay, drive slowly and pay attention to:

• Any pulling to one side
• New vibrations
• Unusual sounds
• How the steering feels

Step 4: Document the Damage

If you plan to file a claim with the City of Mississauga, take photos of:

• The pothole (with something for scale)
• Your vehicle’s location relative to the pothole
• Any visible damage to your vehicle

When You Need a Tow

Call for towing if you experience any of these situations:

• Flat tire with no spare: Our tire change service can help, or we’ll tow you to a tire shop
• Multiple flat tires: Two or more flats require professional towing
• Visible suspension damage: Broken components make driving dangerous
• Severe pulling: If you can’t keep the car straight, don’t drive it
• Warning lights: ABS, traction control, or stability control warnings
• Fluid leaks: Pothole impacts can rupture oil pans or brake lines

Our flatbed towing protects your vehicle from further damage during transport, especially important if suspension components are compromised.

Stranded? Call 647-601-6377 for 24/7 roadside assistance in Mississauga.

Prevention Tips for Pothole Season

Drive Defensively

• Slow down on unfamiliar roads
• Increase following distance to see hazards earlier
• Avoid puddles (they can hide deep potholes)
• Watch for cars ahead swerving or braking suddenly

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Properly inflated tires absorb pothole impacts better than under-inflated ones. Check pressure monthly, especially as temperatures fluctuate in spring.

Avoid Hard Braking Over Potholes

If you can’t avoid a pothole, release the brakes before impact. A rolling tire handles the shock better than a locked-up wheel.

Report Potholes

Report potholes to the City of Mississauga through their online portal or by calling 311. Documentation helps if you need to file a damage claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim pothole damage from the City of Mississauga?

You can file a claim, but the city isn’t automatically liable. You’ll need to prove the city knew about the pothole and failed to repair it within a reasonable time. Document everything and keep all repair receipts.

How much does pothole damage repair cost?

Costs vary widely depending on damage. A single tire replacement might cost $150-$300. Suspension repairs can range from $200 for minor fixes to $1,500+ for major component replacement. Wheel alignment typically costs $100-$150.

Is pothole damage covered by car insurance?

If you have collision coverage, pothole damage is typically covered minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage usually doesn’t cover pothole damage. Contact your insurer to confirm your policy details.

How do I know if my alignment is off after a pothole?

Signs include the steering wheel being off-center when driving straight, the car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or the steering wheel vibrating. A professional alignment check costs around $50-$100.

Can I drive on a tire with a sidewall bulge?

No. A sidewall bulge means the tire’s internal structure is damaged and could fail at any moment. Replace the tire immediately or call for towing.

Need Help After Pothole Damage?

Whether you’ve got a flat tire, need a tow to a repair shop, or are stranded with suspension damage, Mississauga Towing is here to help.

Our roadside assistance services include:

• Flat tire changes
• Towing to your preferred mechanic
• 24/7 emergency dispatch
• Flatbed towing for damaged vehicles

Call now: 647-601-6377