How to Protect Your Tires and Rims From Road Damage

As the snow melts and spring arrives, roads begin to reveal a hidden menace: potholes.

These seasonal hazards aren’t just a nuisance—they’re one of the biggest culprits behind tire blowouts, bent rims, and misaligned wheels.

And the problem could get worse.

Why Spring Roads Are Rougher Than Ever

Thanks to rising temperatures and more frequent freeze-thaw cycles, climate change is accelerating the formation of potholes and road cracks.

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Water seeps into tiny cracks in the asphalt, freezes, and expands—causing the road surface to lift, then crumble under pressure.

The result: dangerous dips and jagged edges that can shred tires and warp your wheels.

According to Nokian Tyres AS, these risks may grow in the coming years as unstable winters and extreme weather patterns put additional strain on the road network.

Bigger Cars, Bigger Problems

The increasing popularity of SUVs and electric vehicles has added another layer of complexity. These cars are heavier than standard passenger vehicles, meaning that the force of impact when hitting a pothole is higher—and so is the chance of tire or rim damage.

“As the average size and weight of vehicles increases, tire resistance to impact damage becomes increasingly important,” says Kjetil Røssel, Product Manager at Nokian Tyres AS. “However, the good news is that larger tires also tend to handle potholes better by rolling over them more easily.”

In response to these mounting challenges, tire manufacturers like Nokian are developing advanced protection features. One standout innovation is the use of aramid fibers—a material also used in aerospace and bulletproof vests—incorporated into the sidewalls of tires.

“Nokian Tyres’ aramid sidewall technology has been extremely successful in preventing tire damage,” Røssel confirms.

5 Essential Tips

Even with more robust tire tech, your driving habits matter most when it comes to avoiding a costly trip to the repair shop. Here’s how to give your tires the best chance at surviving the spring road season:

1. Keep your distance: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to give yourself more time to spot and avoid potholes.

2. Slow down—don’t speed up over potholes: There’s a persistent myth that speeding up helps glide over bumps, but it actually increases the impact and risk of damage. Ease off the gas instead.

3. Check your tire pressure: Low pressure increases the risk of rim damage and blowouts. Refer to your vehicle’s manual and inflate your tires accordingly.

4. Monitor tread depth: Even if your tires are legal, they may not be safe. Røssel recommends keeping tread depth above 4 mm, especially in early spring, when roads are still wet and unpredictable.

5. Inspect your tires regularly: Keep an eye out for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear—these could signal a compromised tire after hitting a pothole.

With unpredictable weather and heavier vehicles on the road, spring driving requires extra care. But with the right tires, regular checks, and smart habits behind the wheel, you can protect your tires, rims, and wallet—while cruising into the new season safely.