Potholes: Speeds from 15 to 25 MPH -or- braking might damage tire or wheel. Braking is the worst.

[TheBlackAdder]

Braking is the worst, by transferring downward force to the front tires and suspension.

Slow speeds, feel the pothole, but won't damage the wheel or tire.
Moderate slow residential speeds might bend the wheel.
Higher speeds will effectively float over the pothole, not allowing much time for the wheel to drop.

[Kali]

1. interesting

sort of relates to driving a washboard dirt road

[Old Crank]

3. At a good speed the suspension

doesn't have time to overcome inertia. So it feels smoother in the car.

In Death Valley several years ago I caught a rock in a turn on a dirt road and lost a tire. The rock is the oposite of the pothole and damaged the tire. But not the alloy wheel.

[Old Crank]

2. I have always tried to brake before

a pot hole. Just before hitting it come off the brake and give it some gas to help unload the front end a bit.

But you have to watch the road ahead and be ready.