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The Hidden Dangers of Hitting Potholes

October 31, 2024

Potholes: they're the unexpected road hazards that can appear out of nowhere. Whether driving on the highway or navigating through city streets, a sudden jolt from hitting one can leave you wondering if your car survived unscathed. But while potholes may seem like minor annoyances, they can actually lead to serious damage over time. From misaligned wheels to suspension problems, the hidden dangers of hitting potholes can cost you more than just a bumpy ride. So, what exactly happens to your vehicle when you hit one, and why should you be concerned?

1. Tire Damage

One of the most immediate effects of hitting a pothole is the damage it can do to your tires. When your tire hits the sharp edge of a pothole , the impact can cause anything from minor treadwear to a complete blowout. Even if the tire doesn't burst, you could still be left with sidewall bulges or a damaged rim that compromises your tire’s ability to hold air.

Beyond the surface damage, potholes can also lead to uneven tire wear over time. That can affect your car’s traction, making it more difficult to brake or steer safely. Regular inspections are essential if you've hit a pothole, even if the damage isn't immediately visible.

2. Misalignment

Ever notice your car pulling to one side after hitting a particularly nasty pothole? That could be a sign of misalignment. Misalignment occurs when the force of the pothole impact shifts the position of your wheels, throwing them out of their proper orientation.

While a slight misalignment may seem harmless at first, over time, it can cause uneven tire wear and affect your ability to control your vehicle. The longer you drive with misaligned wheels, the more strain you put on your tires, suspension, and steering system. Getting an alignment check after hitting a pothole can prevent bigger, more expensive issues down the road.

3. Suspension Issues

Your car’s suspension system is designed to absorb the shock from bumps and uneven surfaces, keeping your ride as comfortable as possible. However, potholes are often too much for even the most robust suspension systems to handle. Repeated pothole impacts can lead to damaged shocks, struts, or springs, resulting in a rougher ride.

If you start feeling every little bump in the road or notice your car “bouncing” more than usual, your suspension may have taken a hit. Driving with a compromised suspension isn’t just uncomfortable—it can make your car more difficult to handle, especially in emergency situations.

4. Bent or Cracked Rims

Potholes can be particularly unforgiving on your car’s rims, especially if you're driving with low-profile tires. The sudden impact can bend or even crack the rim, which affects your car's ability to hold a tire properly. A bent rim might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can lead to slow tire leaks, vibrations while driving, or, worse, a blowout at high speeds.

Cracked rims, on the other hand, are an immediate cause for concern. Driving on a cracked rim increases the risk of a catastrophic tire failure, which can be dangerous for you and others on the road. If you suspect rim damage, it's best to have it inspected and replaced if necessary.

5. Long-Term Damage

The truth is, the damage caused by hitting a pothole isn’t always visible right away. What seems like a minor bump could lead to long-term issues that worsen over time. For instance, your car’s undercarriage could suffer scrapes or dents that lead to rusting if left untreated. Fluids and parts housed beneath your vehicle, like the exhaust system, can also take a hit, leading to unexpected leaks or damage.

Driving over multiple potholes without addressing any underlying issues will only compound the damage. The longer you wait to repair these problems, the more costly and extensive they become. Regular inspections and maintenance can help you catch and fix any damage before it escalates.

Hit a pothole and worried about potential damage? Bring your car into Crown City Tire Auto Care for a comprehensive inspection! We’ll check your tires , alignment, and suspension to ensure your vehicle stays road-ready.

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The Dirty Truth About Your Cabin Air Filter: When to Replace It

April 2, 2025

We all love that fresh, clean feeling when we step into our cars, especially after a long day navigating the bustling streets of Pasadena. But have you ever stopped to think about the air you're actually breathing inside your vehicle? Often overlooked, the cabin air filter plays a crucial role in the quality of your in-car environment. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we believe in empowering our customers with the knowledge to keep their vehicles running smoothly and their occupants healthy. So, let's dive into the often-neglected world of the cabin air filter and uncover the dirty truth about when it's time for a replacement. For many drivers in Pasadena and beyond, the engine air filter gets all the attention. It makes sense – it's directly linked to engine performance and fuel efficiency. However, the cabin air filter, while not impacting how your car runs, significantly affects the air you and your passengers breathe. Think of it as the air purifier for your vehicle's interior. It's designed to trap dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even airborne pollutants that can enter your car's ventilation system from the outside. Why Should Pasadena Drivers Care About Their Cabin Air Filter? Living in a vibrant city like Pasadena, CA, exposes our vehicles to a variety of environmental factors. From the seasonal blooms releasing pollen into the air to the everyday dust and smog of urban driving, our car interiors can become surprisingly contaminated. A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can lead to a host of issues, some you might not even realize are connected: Reduced Airflow: A blocked filter restricts the amount of air that can pass through your car's heating and cooling system. This can lead to weak airflow from your vents, making it harder to heat or cool your cabin effectively, especially during those hot Pasadena summers or cooler winter evenings. We've seen many customers at Crown City Tire Auto Care surprised at the improvement in their AC performance after a simple cabin air filter replacement. Unpleasant Odors: Over time, trapped particles and moisture in the filter can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, leading to musty or unpleasant odors circulating in your car. If you've noticed a persistent stale smell, even after cleaning your interior, your cabin air filter could be the culprit. Allergic Reactions and Respiratory Issues: For allergy sufferers or individuals with respiratory sensitivities living in Pasadena, a clean cabin air filter is paramount. A dirty filter recirculates allergens and irritants, potentially exacerbating symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Replacing your filter regularly can significantly improve the air quality and comfort for everyone in the vehicle. Strain on Your HVAC System: When the cabin air filter is clogged, your car's blower motor has to work harder to push air through. This increased strain can potentially shorten the lifespan of components in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, leading to more costly repairs down the line. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we always recommend preventative maintenance to avoid such issues. So, When Exactly Should Pasadena Drivers Replace Their Cabin Air Filter? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors can help you determine when it's time for a new cabin air filter in your vehicle: Manufacturer Recommendations: Your vehicle's owner's manual will typically provide a recommended replacement interval for the cabin air filter. This is a good starting point, often suggesting replacement every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. We at Crown City Tire Auto Care generally advise following these guidelines as a minimum. Visual Inspection: One of the easiest ways to check your cabin air filter is to visually inspect it. The location of the filter varies depending on your vehicle's make and model, but it's often located behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location. Once you've accessed it, take a look. A clean filter will be relatively white or light gray. If it's visibly dirty, clogged with debris, or dark in color, it's definitely time for a replacement. We often show our customers in Pasadena their old filter versus a new one – the difference can be quite striking! Reduced Airflow: As mentioned earlier, a noticeable decrease in the airflow from your vents is a strong indicator of a clogged cabin air filter. If you find yourself turning the fan up higher than usual to achieve the same level of cooling or heating, have your filter checked. Unpleasant Odors: If you consistently notice musty or other unpleasant smells when your ventilation system is running, your cabin air filter is likely trapping odor-causing particles and needs to be replaced. Allergy Season and Driving Conditions in Pasadena: If you frequently drive in dusty conditions, heavy traffic with exhaust fumes, or during peak allergy seasons in Pasadena, your cabin air filter will likely need more frequent replacement. These conditions expose your filter to a higher volume of contaminants. Time Since Last Replacement: Even if you haven't driven many miles, the filter material can degrade over time and lose its effectiveness. If it's been over a year since your last cabin air filter replacement, it's a good idea to have it checked, especially considering the air quality in and around Pasadena. What Happens During a Cabin Air Filter Replacement at Crown City Tire Auto Care? When you bring your vehicle to Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena for a cabin air filter replacement, our experienced technicians will: Locate the Cabin Air Filter: We'll identify the precise location of your vehicle's cabin air filter based on its make and model. Remove the Old Filter: We'll carefully remove the old, dirty filter. You'll likely be surprised at the amount of debris it has collected! Inspect the Housing: We'll check the filter housing for any signs of damage or excessive buildup. Install a New, High-Quality Filter: We use high-quality cabin air filters that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications, ensuring optimal filtration and airflow. Verify Proper Airflow: After installing the new filter, we'll test your vehicle's ventilation system to ensure proper airflow and functionality. Investing in Your In-Car Air Quality with Crown City Tire Auto Care Replacing your cabin air filter is a relatively inexpensive yet highly impactful maintenance task. It's a simple way to improve the air quality inside your vehicle, enhance the performance of your HVAC system, and contribute to a more comfortable and healthier driving experience, especially here in Pasadena. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we're committed to providing comprehensive auto care services, and that includes ensuring the air you breathe in your car is clean and fresh. Don't wait until you notice strong odors or drastically reduced airflow. Make it a habit to have your cabin air filter checked regularly as part of your routine maintenance. We understand that life in Pasadena can be busy, and it's easy to overlook these smaller maintenance items. That's why we're here to help. Our friendly team at Crown City Tire Auto Care is always ready to answer your questions and provide expert advice on all your automotive needs. We believe that informed drivers make better decisions about their vehicle care, and we're here to be your trusted partner on the road. So, the next time you're thinking about your car's maintenance, remember the "dirty truth" about your cabin air filter. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in your driving comfort and well-being. Let the professionals at Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena help you breathe easier on every journey.