You’re driving along enjoying winter’s thaw, and out of nowhere a pothole seemingly attacks your car. Winter weather’s freezing cycles can take a toll on asphalt, and potholes are the result. This can cause bumpy spring driving for even the most cautious drivers. This pothole season follow some insider tips so you can keep your tires in great shape and enjoy smooth sailing down the roads.

Be suspicious

As snow melts and rain increases, potholes that are normally visible suddenly become concealed. Spring driving safety tips include using caution when driving over large puddles because they can hide deep potholes that can extensively damage your car.

Don’t brake

If you do hit a pothole, the last thing you want to do is brake, according to AOL autos. Why? Braking causes your car to nose dive and its weight shifts forward, and therefore can cause more damage. If you’re not braking, your suspension will help absorb the impact better.

Keep tires inflated

Your tires are your first and main defense against a pothole. Safe driving includes checking your tires on a regular basis to ensure they are properly inflated. This can help if you do hit a large pothole so that it does minimal damage to your vehicle.

Avoid swerving

Seeing potholes can be difficult, and it’s common that you won’t notice them until the last second prior to running them over. Remember to avoid swerving suddenly out of the way as this can cause you to lose control or crash into another vehicle, which can be much more dangerous.

Assess damage immediately

Pothole damage can vary from simply losing a hub cap, to bursting a tire or damaging your rim. If you suspect any level of damage, visit your mechanic immediately. Costs for repairing damage caused by potholes can range from $50 for a simple wheel alignment, according to a report by WHSV.com, to $500 or more for replacing a top-of-the-line alloy wheel. Call your insurance company as it may cover the cost.

Report to your city

If a large pothole is causing drivers issues, it’s important to report it to your local authorities who can assess the spring safety levels of the road in question. Contact the state or city transportation department and report the pothole’s location and approximate size.