MOTORING NEWS - Although the road network in the Western Cape is a lot better than elsewhere in the country, an unexpected pothole might appear due to relentless rain.

Driving over a hidden or unknown pothole can cause damage to vehicles of all shapes and sizes. In 80% of the cases when a car hits a pothole it is the rim, one of the most safety critical items on a car, that gets damaged and not the tyre.
Les Mc Master, the chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says rim damage can often lead to other problems like vehicle alignment and suspension problems.

If a tyre has deflated this is an obvious sign the rim is damaged.

If everything looks fine on the surface there are other tell-tale signs to check. Changes in the balancing and alignment are important to check. If there is a vibration in the steering wheel, the chances are one of the front rims are damaged. If there is a vibration on the seat, then it's is usually a rear rim.

Mc Master says unfortunately it is not always possible to prevent damage, but it is advisable to know how best to solve the problem. "Rims can be very expensive, particularly with the current exchange rate, and it is not always essential to purchase a completely new rim provided one uses a reputable supplier."

He says motorists should consult their local manufacturer or fitment centre first to determine the extent of the damage and then ensure they are referred to a specialist rim repairer. "It is essential that the repairer is SABS approved and if possible carries an approved ISO 9001 accreditation," he says.

"Unfortunately, not many repairers have x-ray technology and can repair according to a certain standard so one needs to select carefully."
Mc Master provides some useful tips on how to avoid roadside pitfalls:

• Be extra cautious when there is water on the road as a pothole may be lurking beneath. If at all possible and if not endangering other
• motorists, rather drive around the puddle
• If you do drive over a hole do not slam on brakes as this could compound the damage to your vehicle or cause an accident
• Hold the steering wheel firmly when driving over a pothole to avoid losing control
• If driving at night, ensure your headlights are clean as dips and potholes are harder to identify at night
• Do not swerve if you hit a hole as this could endanger other motorists.

"Should you suspect that you may have sustained damages to the rims but are unsure, feel free to call on an accredited MIWA shop for an evaluation. Most importantly, in the event of damage, remember to consider the repair options first, ahead of buying new rims, " he concludes.

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