Short answer : After a big pothole, watch for a car that pulls, a crooked or shaking steering wheel, a bulge on the tire sidewall or a new clunk. Have it checked soon. For damage, the City of Montréal takes claims online; the deadline runs from the date of the incident.
Why spring is the worst season
Freeze-thaw cycles crack the pavement: water gets in, freezes, expands, then traffic breaks the surface apart. In Montréal it shows most at the end of winter and in spring.
What a hit can damage
Tire: a bulge on the sidewall or a cut. A bulge cannot be repaired; the tire must be replaced.
Rim: bent or cracked, causing a slow leak or a vibration.
Suspension and steering: shock, sway-bar link, tie-rod end. Typical sign: a clunk over bumps or an off-centre steering wheel.
Lower the risk
Keep the right pressure: an under-inflated tire hits the pothole edge harder.
Leave more distance to the car ahead to see holes in time, and don't brake inside the hole: release the brake just before.
Claims to the City of Montréal
The City says you can ask for compensation, but its liability is not automatic for tire and suspension damage caused by road condition. File as early as possible, because the deadline runs from the date of the event. Keep photos and invoices.
Questions
My car pulls after a pothole. What should I do?
Have the steering, suspension and tires checked. An off-centre wheel or a pulling car wears tires faster.
Can a sidewall bulge be repaired?
No. A sidewall bulge means damaged structure: the tire must be replaced.
Sources
This guide is general information. For your vehicle, rely on the owner's manual and a mechanic who has seen it.
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