Guide to Preventing and Claiming Pothole Damage

There are more than a million potholes on UK roads, and yes, the government has given 5 billion pounds to repair these roads. It is likely that at the very least, pothole incidents will still be an issue for drivers.

Here, we are going to see some ways to save yourself from pothole damage and steps to take if you have hit a pothole. Otherwise, you would be visiting a garage for a car service Deeside to get your car checked if there’s any damage and get it fixed.

Pothole damage can depend on the vehicle you’re driving, the speed you are driving, and the depth and size of the pothole.

If you unexpectedly hit a pothole, you may immediately feel something isn’t right with your vehicle. You may hear a strange noise, feel a vibration, or simply suspect your vehicle isn’t handling as it normally does. What to do if you find yourself in such a position is as follows:

As soon as you can, stop in a secure area. We’d advise you to visually check your vehicle for damage. Look for punctured or flat tyres and bent alloy wheels. If you spot a problem, it’s best to get your vehicle recovered at your local garage. Even if your vehicle seems to be driving normally, it’s always best to get it checked over in a garage workshop. Even if you were only travelling at a moderate speed when you hit the pothole, that can be enough to knock wheel alignment out, which over time can cause uneven, premature tyre wear. Technicians that specialise in alignments will also inspect your car's suspension, steering, and tyres while it is on the ramp. If everything is in order, these checks are performed at no cost to you, so you can feel secure knowing that you will not be out of pocket.

Potholes are difficult to avoid; in fact, there are said to be around 6 potholes per mile on UK roads. They’re not only annoying but can be very bad news for your car. We see damage caused by potholes every week, which can range from punctured tyres to damaged steering and suspension, not forgetting cracked and buckled alloy wheels.

While you may not be able to avoid potholes altogether, there are ways to protect your vehicle and lessen any damage they may cause.

Correctly inflated tyres will help reduce any damage caused by potholes by lowering your chances of having a blow-out or puncture.

You may be able to completely avoid potholes by keeping an eye out for them and practising strong road awareness. This is always the best way to avoid damage, although you do need to ensure it’s safe to drive around a pothole first to avoid other potential hazards and accidents.

Hitting a pothole at speed increases the likelihood of serious damage.

If it’s raining, be aware that what looks like a puddle could be a large pothole.

Hitting a pothole could cause your car to veer off to the side. Remaining in control can be achieved by maintaining a strong hold on the steering wheel.

Leaving a suitable gap between you and the vehicle in front will help you react in time if that vehicle hits a pothole.

If you do hit a pothole, don’t slam on your brakes, as this will only put more strain on your car’s suspension system. It is safer to slow down by relaxing off the pedal because doing so could prevent a collision with the car behind you.

You can only make a successful claim for pothole damage if you can prove the authority managing the road was at fault. Potholes are inevitable in the UK climate, so you need to show the pothole should have been fixed before you hit it and the authority has been negligent. 

The first thing you need to do is gather details on the pothole. You need evidence of its location and size, as well as the damage it’s done to your car. Photographs are the best way to support detailed evidence, but only if it’s safe to do so. Having measurements of the pothole and a sketch of the locations, along with details of the damage and why the pothole was responsible.

To claim enough to cover the vehicle repairs, get quotes from 2-3 trusted garages. It’s also worth downloading your last MOT Deeside certificate, as this can help prove the damage wasn’t present before you hit the pothole.