Rough riders: How to avoid problems from bad roads

Extreme weather throughout the midwest and Northern states means rough roads this spring and summer. Cracks and pits can lead to expensive problems in your vehicle's steering and suspension system.

Unfortunately, steering and suspension issues can go unnoticed until they require a visit to the auto shop.

"All drivers should have their suspension and wheel alignment checked periodically to prevent small problems from becoming major repairs," said Tony Molla, vice president of communications at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. “This is particularly true if you live in an area prone to potholes or other weather-induced road conditions that could damage wheels or suspension components.”

For example, hitting a curb or road debris at freeway speeds could bend parts in the steering and suspension systems. You may need to replace shock absorbers, sway bar, steering links and rods.

Potholes and cracks in the pavement can throw a vehicle's alignment out of balance and cause permanent damage to your vehicle's tires.

"Steering-related problems can cause abnormal tread wear and make your vehicle pull to one side," Molla said. "They could reduce your vehicle's tire life by 50% and be a warning sign for other types of damage."

What are the signs that your vehicle may be overdue for an alignment inspection? Molla had the following suggestions:

• Look for uneven tire wear, especially along the tire edges. This is a classic sign of alignment problems or a lack of rotation.
• Does your vehicle pull to one side or the other?
• Does your vehicle bounce a few times when it goes over speed bumps? Maybe it's time to have your struts or shocks checked.

"Alignment adjusts the steering components so everything works together seamlessly," Molla said. "It restores original settings so the vehicle tracks true."