Hit One of Those Potholes on Memorial Parkway?
January 12 2026 - web@mpwmarketing.com
How to Check for Alignment & Suspension Damage
January in Utica brings the arrival of a frustrating annual tradition: pothole season. Between the heavy lake-effect snow and the constant cycle of freezing and thawing, local roads like Memorial Parkway and the North-South Arterial can develop deep, suspension-jarring craters overnight. While some of these pothole impacts are just annoying, others can cause significant damage to your vehicle's alignment and suspension systems.
Knowing the signs of pothole damage can help you address the problem before it leads to expensive tire wear or compromised safety. The most common sign that a pothole has knocked your vehicle out of alignment is a persistent "pull" to one side. If you find yourself constantly fighting the steering wheel to drive straight on a flat road, your alignment is going to need a professional adjustment.
Another warning sign is a crooked steering wheel. If the wheel is tilted to the left or right while the car is moving straight, your suspension geometry has been altered. You should also pay attention to any new vibrations in the steering wheel or through the seat. This often indicates a bent rim or a lost wheel weight, both of which are common after a hard pothole hit.
The suspension itself can also suffer. Your shocks and struts are designed to soak up bumps, but a massive pothole can cause them to leak or fail entirely. If your car feels "bouncy" after hitting a bump, or if the front end "dives" excessively when you apply the brakes, your suspension is no longer controlling the vehicle's weight properly. This increases your stopping distance and makes for unpredictable handling on icy Utica streets.
Don’t make the mistake of ignoring these signs of misalignment. A vehicle that is out of alignment will scrub the tread off a set of tires in just a few thousand miles. At Nimey's New Generation Cars, our technicians use precision alignment equipment to return your vehicle to its factory specifications. If you have had a rough encounter with a Utica pothole this month, stop in for a quick suspension and alignment check. We can spot the damage early and keep your commute smooth and safe.