Preparing Your GMC for Spring Thaw and Spokane's Pothole Season
You survived the ice and snow. The roads in Spokane, Liberty Lake, and Coeur d'Alene are finally clear. But spring brings its own driving hazard: potholes. These road scars can damage your tires and knock your alignment off track. At GMC of Riverfront Park, we want your truck or SUV ready for the thaw. Let's look at how potholes form and why spring service matters for drivers across Spokane Valley, Post Falls, Cheney, and Hayden.
What you need to know
- ✔ Potholes form from freeze-thaw cycles or water damage under pavement
- ✔ Even low-speed impacts can damage tires and wheel alignment
- ✔ Signs of misalignment include pulling, vibration, or uneven tire wear
- ✔ Spring inspection at GMC of Riverfront Park catches issues early
- ✔ You can schedule service online for tire checks and alignment
How do potholes form in Spokane and North Idaho?
You have probably hit a pothole on Sprague Avenue or I-90 without warning. The science behind them is straightforward. Water seeps into small cracks in the pavement. When temperatures drop overnight, that water freezes and expands. The expanding ice forces the road surface upward. Then traffic pounds the weakened area. The pavement cracks further, more water gets in, and eventually a pothole opens up. This freeze-thaw cycle hits Spokane hard every spring.
Even warmer areas like Liberty Lake, Post Falls, and Coeur d'Alene see potholes form from water damage. Rainwater softens the soil beneath the asphalt. The weight of passing cars and trucks breaks up the weakened surface. You will spot them on side roads, parking lots, and main highways alike.
Tire service after pothole season
Hitting a pothole can seriously damage your tires. Even low speeds cause problems. Common issues include cuts, bulges, bubbles on the sidewall, and uneven wear. Complete blowouts happen too.
During a tire inspection at our Spokane service center, certified technicians check air pressure, tread depth, and sidewall condition on every tire. They look for damage or uneven wear patterns. Recommended fixes may include rotation, balancing, or replacement for severe damage.
Regular tire inspections extend tire life and keep you safer on the road. Neglected tires lead to poor performance, lower fuel efficiency, and dangerous blowouts on I-90 or Highway 95.
Wheel alignment checks
Potholes do not just hurt your tires. They knock your wheels out of alignment too. When alignment is off, your GMC may pull to one side. The steering wheel might vibrate. Your tires will wear unevenly and faster than normal. Fuel efficiency drops, and your vehicle becomes harder to control around corners.
An alignment check measures if your wheels are properly angled and centered. Using advanced technology, our technicians make precise adjustments to your suspension. The result is a vehicle that drives straight, handles properly, and keeps you safer on Spokane's spring roads.
If you drive frequently on pothole-ridden streets or notice any signs of misalignment, get it checked quickly. The longer you wait, the more damage misalignment causes to tires and suspension parts.
Why is spring service important for your GMC?
One severe pothole can cause expensive damage. By having your vehicle inspected early in spring, you identify and fix issues before they create bigger problems. You will also be better prepared to safely navigate roads as more potholes emerge throughout April and May across Spokane Valley, Cheney, and Hayden.
Ignoring pothole damage leads to blowouts, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. All of these compromise your safety on the road. Repairs get more expensive the longer you wait. That is why prioritizing tire and alignment service during pothole season makes financial sense.
Smart driving tips for pothole season
Just because the road looks dry does not mean you should speed up. Reducing your speed gives you a better chance to spot potholes and drive around them. Even if you hit one, you are less likely to cause damage at lower speeds. Watch for warning signs like puddles (they can hide potholes) or cracked road surfaces (a pothole waiting to blow). Report potholes you see to Spokane's department of transportation. The sooner you report them, the sooner crews can make repairs.
Schedule your spring service at GMC of Riverfront Park
We make it easy to get the service your GMC needs this spring. Our state-of-the-art service center sits right at E 636 Sprague Ave in Spokane. Certified technicians handle tire inspections, alignment checks, and all necessary repairs for your Sierra, Terrain, Acadia, Canyon, or Yukon.
Convenient online scheduling lets you book your appointment at a time that works for you. Visit our website, choose a date and time, provide some information about your vehicle, and we will handle the rest. Get your GMC ready for smooth spring driving across Liberty Lake, Coeur d'Alene, Spokane Valley, Post Falls, Cheney, and Hayden.
*Prices and offers subject to change. See dealer for complete details. Service appointments subject to availability. Tire and alignment services recommended based on inspection findings. All vehicle photos and descriptions are for informational purposes only. Actual vehicles may vary. GMC of Riverfront Park is not responsible for typographical or pricing errors.