Hit a Pothole? Here’s What You Should Check on Your Car

Potholes are something most UK drivers have had to deal with at some point, and with the current changes in weather, they could become an even bigger problem. A recent RAC warning highlighted that summer heat may have left road surfaces even more vulnerable, with wetter weather increasing the chance of further damage. So, what do you do if you hit a pothole? Read on to find out what you should actually check afterwards.

9/23/20262 min read

If you ever hit a pothole, here is what you need to do.

1. Check your tyres for visible damage

First off, carefully check the tyre that took the impact. Look for:

cuts or splits
bulges in the sidewall
cracking
sudden loss of tyre pressure
unusual damage to the tread

These are common issues that come up upon a pothole impact and, in more severe cases, it could cause a tyre blowout.

2. Check whether the tyre is losing pressure

Not all damage is immediately visible. If your tyre pressure warning appears after hitting a pothole, or the tyre seems to be losing air, it could indicate a puncture or damage caused by the impact.

If this is the case, avoid driving longer than necessary on a tyre that is rapidly losing pressure.

3. Take a look at the wheel

Potholes can also damage the wheel itself. Possible signs include a bent or buckled wheel, cracks in an alloy or visible distortion around the rim. The RAC notes that pothole impacts can cause wheel damage as well as affect wheel balancing and tracking.

If anything looks unusual, have the wheel inspected.

4. Pay attention to how the car feels

Sometimes the first sign of damage is not something you see. So, also look out for:

vibration through the steering wheel
the car pulling to one side
steering that feels different
unusual noises
a change in the way the vehicle handles

These can indicate that the impact has affected wheel alignment, balancing or suspension components.

5. Don’t ignore a tyre that suddenly feels different

If the tyre looks damaged, is losing pressure or no longer feels safe to drive, continuing your journey could make it worse. This is particularly important if you notice a sidewall bulge, significant cut or obvious wheel damage.

If unsure, you should stop somewhere safe and have the tyre checked.

6. What should you do if the tyre is damaged?

A damaged tyre does not always mean it needs to be replaced, but it should be checked properly before you continue on your way. If you are unsure whether the car is safe to drive, arrange for the tyre to be inspected where the vehicle is.

TyreTech1 can provide mobile tyre fitting and roadside assistance if you need help at your location.

📞 Call or WhatsApp: 07863 995929

7. Can you claim for pothole damage?

In some situations, you might be able to make a claim against the organisation responsible for maintaining the road.

In England, this may be your local council, National Highways, or Transport for London if the damage occurred on a London red route. GOV.UK recommends recording the location, date and time of the incident and details of the damage.

Drivers can also report potholes through GOV.UK, which directs reports to the appropriate authority.

Need Mobile Tyre Assistance?

From emergency tyre assistance and puncture repairs to replacement tyres fitted at your home, workplace or roadside location, TyreTech1 is here to help.

Call 078 6399 5929

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