We all know how common potholes are on UK roads, causing vehicle damage and posing safety risks. Fortunately, there are multiple systems in place to report potholes and address the potential issues they can cause.
Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to report potholes in the UK and what to do if you experience vehicle damage from a pothole.
What to do if you hit a pothole
If you hit a pothole, it’s a good idea to pull over to a safe place as soon as possible to assess if there’s any damage to your vehicle.
If the pothole is significant, you should make a note of its location and details of the size and depth. If possible, it’s a good idea to take a photo – this could be helpful when reporting the pothole or in the event of a claim.
Potholes should be reported if they’re:
- Deeper than 20mm (2cm) and wider in diameter than 200mm (20cm) for a footway
- Deeper than 40mm (4cm) and wider in diameter than 200mm (20cm) for a carriageway
Potholes on public roads
If you need to report a pothole on a public road, head over to the government website where you’ll find the relevant instructions for your local council.
Potholes on motorways and A-roads
If you need to report a pothole on a motorway or an A-road, contact National Highways.
What damage can potholes do to your car?
Your car can experience various issues if you hit a pothole. Some of the key problems are as follows:
Tyre puncture
If you experience a tyre puncture, you should head to a garage to see if the puncture is repairable. If not, your tyre will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Driving with a punctured tyre is not only incredibly dangerous but also illegal.
Additional tyre damage
It’s possible for potholes to create cuts or bulges in the tyre which can eventually lead to a blow-out or puncture. As a result, it’s important to inspect your tyres after hitting a pothole to check for any potential damage.
Misaligned wheels
This is the most common issue to happen after hitting a pothole. If this is the case, it’s important get your wheels assessed as soon as possible as misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tyre wear and poor fuel consumption.
Damage to steering and suspension components.
While this is not as common as some of the above issues, potholes can still cause problems with steering and suspension. You’ll know if this is the case as you’ll experience poor vehicle handling and a much bumpier ride.
What to do if you experience car damage from a pothole?
At Halfords, we offer a variety of services that can help get your car back on track after hitting a pothole. We have a range of free services that cover the likes of tyres, steering and suspension.
Free Tyre Check
Tyres are most likely to be impacted after hitting a pothole. Take advantage of our Free Tyre Check where one of our experts will inspect the overall condition of the tyre as well as tyre pressure and tread depth.
Free Suspension Check
Our Free Suspension Check is recommended to check your suspension after hitting a big pothole. We’ll identify any issues and provide a non-obligation quote if work is needed. We only use quality parts from approved suppliers and come with our standard 1 year or 12,000-mile warranty, whichever is sooner.
Free Steering Check
You may experience steering issues after hitting a pothole, so we recommend our Free Steering Inspection. Our experts will inspect all major steering components and will, again, provide a non-obligation quote if repairs are needed.
Free Repairs Check
Our free Free Repairs Check is a great option if you have identified a leakage or start to hear worrying noises after hitting a pothole. Our experts will inspect your vehicle for any mechanical vaults and provide a non-obligation quote for any work that may be needed.
Car Puncture Repair
If you’ve experienced a puncture after hitting a pothole, book in for our Car Puncture Repair. If you’ve got a flat tyre, have suffered a puncture or your tyre is slowly losing pressure, our technicians will inspect the tyre to see if a repair is suitable. If it’s not, we can refund the cost of the repair towards a new tyre.
What to do when encountering potholes
If you’re driving on a road with potholes, it’s important to be alert to help avoid or lessen damage to your vehicle. We recommend:
- Leaving plenty of distance between yourself and the car in front to allow you to see potholes ahead of time.
- Slow down – driving at higher speeds can increase damage to your vehicle.
- Avoid harsh unnecessary braking as this can place further stress on the front suspension.
- If you have no choice but to drive over the pothole, make sure you do so safely and allow the wheel to roll into the hole.
This covers all you need to know about how to report a pothole and what to do if you experience vehicle damage as a result. Whatever vehicle issues you may experience, Halfords are always here to help.
