Hit a Pothole? Here's What to Check Before Driving On

UK roads are riddled with potholes and hitting one at speed can cause immediate or hidden damage. Here's what to inspect and how to claim compensation.

The UK has a serious pothole problem. Local councils recorded over 1.7 million pothole repairs in 2023 alone — and for every one repaired, many more remain. Hitting a pothole at speed can cause immediate, expensive damage.

Stop and Check If It's Safe To Do So

If you hit a significant pothole, pull over when safe and carry out a quick visual inspection before driving further.

What To Check

Tyres:

Look for visible bulges on the sidewall — a bulge means the internal structure is damaged and the tyre could blow out at any time

Check for cuts or tears in the tyre wall

Check tyre pressure — a sudden loss of pressure indicates a puncture or bead damage

Wheels:

Look for cracks, dents or chips in the alloy or steel rim

A bent rim will cause vibration and may not hold air reliably

Suspension and Steering:

If the car pulls to one side after the impact, wheel alignment has likely been knocked out

Clunking or rattling over bumps after the impact suggests a broken suspension component

Exhaust:

Look underneath for damage to the exhaust system if the impact was severe

When To Stop Driving Immediately

Visible tyre bulge or sidewall tear

Rapid loss of tyre pressure

Car pulls severely to one side

Grinding or scraping from underneath

Claiming Compensation

If a pothole causes damage, you may be able to claim from the local council or Highways England. You'll need:

Photographs of the pothole (depth, width, location)

Photographs of the damage to your vehicle

A garage report confirming the damage was impact-related

The exact date, time and location of the incident

Claims must usually be submitted within 3 years, but the sooner the better while evidence is fresh.

If pothole damage leaves you stranded in Newport, Cardiff, Bristol or Bath, Fred's Towing Services will get you recovered fast. Call 01633 982028.