Ah, springtime in New Jersey. The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the potholes—well, they’re popping up just like the daffodils. While we all welcome warmer days and sunshine after a long winter, your car might be a little less enthusiastic. In fact, spring can be downright rough on your vehicle. Why? One word: potholes.
After months of freezing temperatures and thaw cycles, the roads start to crumble. Water seeps into cracks in the pavement, freezes, expands, and before you know it, the surface buckles and breaks. The result? A minefield of potholes that seem to appear overnight. You’re cruising along, enjoying the day, and—bam!—your car hits one of those hidden road craters and you feel the whole vehicle shake from the impact. That jolt doesn’t just rattle your teeth. It’s doing a number on your car too.
Potholes are more than just an annoyance; they’re a real hazard for your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems. These parts are the unsung heroes of your car, quietly working hard to keep everything smooth and stable. Every bump, dip, and jarring hit takes a toll on these components. Even if you’re managing to dodge the worst of the potholes, those smaller ones you hit regularly still add up. Over time, they cause wear and tear, and if you’re not paying attention, you could be setting yourself up for bigger problems down the road—literally.
That’s why it’s so important to have your car inspected periodically. At DeBoer’s Auto, we recommend checking your steering and suspension components annually—or better yet, every six months. These parts play a critical role in how your vehicle handles, especially when you’re braking, turning, or cruising at higher speeds. When they’re in good shape, your car tracks straight, your ride is smooth, and most importantly, you stay in control.
The good news? We’ve got you covered. When you come in for an oil change at DeBoer’s, we don’t just top off fluids and send you on your way. Our oil services include a full inspection of your vehicle, and that means looking for those hidden damages you can’t see yourself. We check the undercarriage, tie rod ends, and other crucial components that could be affected by rough roads. If we notice anything out of the ordinary, we’ll even take your car for a quick road test to make sure everything is performing like it should.
And because we believe in honest advice, we’ll give you a clear breakdown of what needs to be fixed now and what can wait. No pressure, just the information you need to make smart decisions about your vehicle. We’ll lay it all out in a detailed estimate, so you know exactly what to expect.
So if your car has been through a rough winter—and let’s face it, whose hasn’t?—now’s the perfect time to show it some love. Let us help make sure it’s ready for all the adventures spring and summer have in store. Schedule your appointment online or give us a call. At DeBoer’s Auto, we’re here to help you live life uninterrupted.