How Potholes Damage Your Car’s Alignment

Potholes are a common part of driving, especially during the rainy season in Oregon. You see them forming after heavy storms or sudden cold snaps, and sometimes they’re hard to avoid. But what might feel like a quick jolt through your steering wheel can leave a bigger mark on your vehicle than you expect.

One of the most common issues we see after pothole impacts is poor wheel alignment. It’s not always obvious right away, but over time, misalignment caused by potholes can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and a bumpy ride. If you’ve hit a few deep ones recently, here’s how it could be affecting your alignment.

What Is Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of your wheels so they meet the road at the correct position. These angles affect how your car handles, how evenly your tires wear, and whether your vehicle drives straight.

There are three main angles that are adjusted during an alignment:

Camber: The tilt of the wheels inward or outward from a front view
Toe: The angle at which the tires point inward or outward when viewed from above
Caster: The angle of the steering pivot point from the side view

When these angles are off, even slightly, it changes how your tires contact the road. That’s where problems begin.

How Potholes Throw Off Your Alignment

The sudden impact can bend or shift suspension components when your car hits a pothole. Even a small misalignment in one wheel can affect the others, and it doesn’t always take a big hit to do it. A pothole can knock the control arms, tie rods, or struts out of their original position, changing how the tires sit.

The force of a pothole is similar to hitting a curb, and if your tires bounce or drop into a deep hole at speed, it’s more than enough to shift alignment settings out of spec.

Signs Your Car's Alignment Is Off

If you notice any of these symptoms after a pothole hit, it’s worth having your alignment checked:

Your steering wheel isn’t centered even when driving straight
The vehicle pulls to one side
You feel a vibration in the wheel or a shake at certain speeds
Tires are wearing unevenly, especially on the inner or outer edges
You’re constantly making small corrections to keep the car straight

These signs may appear gradually, but they often follow a noticeable impact. If your steering suddenly feels different after a hard bump, don’t wait to have it inspected.

Long-Term Impact of Misalignment

Misaligned wheels don’t just make the car harder to drive. They also put more stress on your tires, suspension, and even your fuel economy. Tires wear out faster and unevenly, which means more frequent replacements. A misaligned vehicle can also place strain on steering components, leading to earlier repairs.

If left unchecked, misalignment can also reduce traction, especially in wet weather. That makes it harder to stop quickly and increases your risk of sliding in corners or during emergency braking.

Regular Alignment Inspections

Many alignment problems aren’t visible from the outside. You might not see any obvious damage, but even a slight shift can affect performance. That’s why it’s smart to have your alignment checked routinely, especially after a harsh winter or spring when potholes are everywhere.

At Mountain Tech, we use precision alignment equipment to measure your vehicle’s angles and adjust them back to factory specifications. Even if your car feels mostly fine, an inspection can catch small issues before they become costly.

Mountain Tech – Alignment Experts in Oregon City, OR

If a pothole has left your car feeling off, let the team at Mountain Tech take a closer look. We help Oregon City drivers stay safe and extend the life of their tires and suspension with accurate alignment service. Stop by our shop and we’ll make sure everything’s pointing straight again.

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Why Does My Car Have a Burning Smell on The Long Downhills?

September 26, 2025

Driving downhill for an extended period puts unique demands on your vehicle, especially when it comes to braking and engine performance. If you’ve ever noticed a burning smell while descending a steep grade, it can be concerning. Sometimes the odor is harmless, but in other cases, it signals that your brakes, transmission, or other components are overheating. Knowing what causes these smells and how to address them can help you prevent damage and drive more safely. Brakes Overheating on Long Descents The most common source of a burning smell during downhill driving is overheated brakes. When you ride the brakes continuously, friction builds up between the brake pads and rotors, producing intense heat. This heat can cause the pads to emit a sharp, acrid odor as the material begins to break down. In extreme cases, overheated brakes can lead to brake fade — a condition where your braking power is reduced because the pads and rotors are too hot to function properly. If you notice a burning smell accompanied by reduced stopping ability, pull over safely and allow the brakes to cool before continuing. To prevent this, use engine braking whenever possible. Downshift to a lower gear to let your engine help control speed rather than relying entirely on the brake pedal. This reduces stress on your braking system and keeps temperatures in check. Transmission Fluid Overheating If your car has an automatic transmission, long downhill drives can sometimes overwork the transmission and cause its fluid to overheat. Transmission fluid helps cool and lubricate internal parts, but when it gets too hot, it can produce a distinctive burnt odor. This is more likely if you’re carrying a heavy load or towing while descending a steep grade. An overheating transmission can lead to significant wear if ignored, so if you notice a persistent burning smell combined with gear slipping or delayed shifting, have the system inspected as soon as possible. Burning Smells From the Clutch For vehicles with manual transmissions, a burning smell on downhills may come from an overheated clutch. This happens if you ride the clutch pedal or keep partial pressure on it while trying to control your speed. The friction between the clutch disc and flywheel generates heat, which produces a noticeable odor. To avoid clutch overheating, fully engage or fully release the pedal rather than “feathering” it. Downshifting properly and letting the engine handle more of the braking can also help reduce stress on the clutch. Engine Oil or Coolant Leaks Sometimes the burning smell isn’t related to the brakes or transmission at all. Engine oil or coolant can leak onto hot engine components, such as the exhaust manifold, where it burns and produces strong odors. An oil leak typically creates a thick, bitter smell, while burning coolant produces a sweet, syrupy scent. If the smell continues even after normal driving, or if you see smoke under the hood, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected. Ignoring leaks can lead to overheating, reduced engine performance, and costly repairs. Worn or Contaminated Brake Pads Even when you’re braking properly, worn or low-quality brake pads can overheat more easily on steep descents. Some pads use materials that produce stronger odors when hot, especially if they’ve absorbed contaminants like oil or grease. Replacing them with high-quality pads designed for your driving needs can minimize these smells and improve braking performance. How to Prevent Burning Smells on Downhills A few simple driving habits can make a big difference when it comes to avoiding overheating and burning odors: Use lower gears to take advantage of engine braking and reduce reliance on your brakes. Avoid riding the brakes for long stretches; apply firm, short braking instead. Check your brake system regularly to ensure pads, rotors, and fluid are in good condition. Inspect for leaks if burning smells persist after normal driving conditions. These steps reduce strain on critical systems and help maintain control during extended downhill driving. Expert Brake and Transmission Care at Mountain Tech Inc. If you’ve noticed a burning smell while driving downhill, let the team at Mountain Tech Inc. in Oregon City, OR, inspect your vehicle. Our technicians can determine whether the odor comes from overheated brakes, transmission fluid, the clutch, or leaking engine fluids, and we’ll address the issue before it leads to bigger problems. Schedule an appointment with Mountain Tech Inc. today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle is ready for every climb and descent.