It's pothole season

THORNHILL, ON, March 18 /CNW/ - You're driving along, when you feel that familiar jolt after hitting a pothole, unexpectedly. You know without even looking at a calendar - it's pothole season - the time of year when you notice more and more craters popping up on your drive to and from home.

For some drivers, pothole season comes with a hefty price tag. Damage to your vehicle could mean costly repairs. The parts of your car that may be damaged include: wheel alignment, mufflers, wheel rims/hubcaps, tires, suspension components and shock absorbers.

CAA SCO recommends the following spring driving tips:

    
    -   Keep your speed down.
    -   Be cautious when roads are wet, as there may be a pothole under that
        puddle.
    -   Be extra careful at night when potholes are hard to see.
    -   Watch for cyclists swerving to avoid potholes.
    -   Keep tires properly inflated. An improperly inflated tire increases
        the chance it will burst when it hits a pothole.
    -   Have tires, wheels and suspension components of your vehicle
        inspected frequently if you drive over potholes.
    -   And if you must go over a pothole, go slowly and don't hit the brakes
        or you may compound the damage.
    

If you think your vehicle has been damaged by a pothole take it to a CAA Car Care Centre or Approved Auto Repair Service facility where it can be serviced if necessary.

There are more than 200 CAA approved facilities in South Central Ontario. For the names and addresses visit www.caasco.com.

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering insurance, travel, automotive care and roadside services. There are more than 1.8 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and 5 million members in Canada.

For further information: Media contact: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Specialist, CAA SCO, 60 Commerce Valley Drive East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 7P9, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]