They’re Everywhere; and Getting Worse

Few sights make a driver wince like a deep, rain-filled pothole you spot a fraction too late. They’re part of everyday driving now; on back roads, high streets, even motorways. The AA estimates there are millions of them across Britain at any given time. And while they might look harmless enough, potholes cause far more than just a bumpy ride.

From damaged tyres to suspension failures, these craters in the tarmac can hit both your wallet and your safety harder than you think.

How Potholes Form

It starts with water seeping into small cracks in the road. When it freezes and expands, the surface breaks apart. Add the weight of passing traffic, and those cracks deepen into cavities. Over time, they turn into the familiar dips and holes we all try to dodge.

Winter weather makes things worse. Repeated freezing and thawing cycles create the perfect conditions for potholes to multiply; and local councils often struggle to repair them fast enough.

What They Can Do to Your Car

Even at low speeds, hitting a pothole can cause lasting damage. The most common problems include:

• Tyre damage: Bulges, punctures, or splits along the sidewall can appear days later.
• Wheel misalignment: A hard impact can knock your steering out of line, leading to uneven tyre wear.
• Suspension damage: Springs and shock absorbers can bend or crack under sudden strain.
• Cracked alloys: Deep holes can fracture rims, particularly on low-profile tyres.
• Exhaust or underbody scrapes: Lower cars are especially vulnerable on rough roads.

Sometimes you won’t notice damage right away. If your steering feels off-centre, the car pulls to one side, or there’s new vibration at higher speeds, it’s worth booking a check-up.

The Safety Risks You Might Not See

Potholes don’t just damage cars; they change how we drive. Swerving to avoid them can cause sudden lane changes, sharp braking, or loss of control. On narrow country lanes, that can put you head-to-head with oncoming traffic. At night or in heavy rain, when holes are hidden beneath puddles, the danger multiplies.

Motorcyclists and cyclists face even greater risk. A pothole that barely jolts a car can send a rider off balance in seconds. That’s why good visibility and steady control matter just as much as the condition of the road itself.

What to Do If You Hit One

If the impact feels severe, pull over somewhere safe and check your tyres and wheels. Look for cuts, bulges, or leaks. Take photos of the pothole and any visible damage. These are useful for both repair shops and insurance or compensation claims.

You can report potholes through your local council’s website or via GOV.UK’s report a pothole service. If the road is managed by National Highways (such as motorways or A-roads), the site will redirect you to the right authority.

For repairs, it’s worth checking whether your comprehensive car insurance covers pothole damage. Some policies do; others may only pay out if the damage is extensive or clearly linked to a specific incident.

Can You Claim Compensation?

Yes, but it takes evidence. If your car’s damaged by a pothole, and it wasn’t clearly marked or under repair, you may be able to claim from the local authority. You’ll need:

• Photos of the pothole and the damage
• Exact location details (street name or coordinates)
• Receipts or repair estimates
• Any witness information, if available

Be polite but persistent. Councils aren’t obliged to pay out if they can prove they didn’t know about the pothole, but a well-documented claim has a fair chance of success.

How to Minimise the Risk

You can’t avoid every pothole, but you can reduce the impact:

• Keep tyres properly inflated; underinflated ones take more damage.
• Maintain a safe following distance so you can spot holes early.
• Slow down on unfamiliar or poorly lit roads.
• Avoid sudden swerves; it’s safer to roll over a shallow hole than risk a collision.
• Have your suspension and tracking checked after any hard hit.

And yes, good sunglasses can help too; they cut glare and make road surface dips easier to spot in bright conditions.

Useful UK Resources

• GOV.UK: Report a pothole
• RAC: Pothole advice and claims
• AA: How to claim for pothole damage
• Citizens Advice: Car repair rights

Potholes are more than a nuisance; they’re a genuine hazard that every driver should take seriously. A little caution, a quick report, and regular checks can keep you and your car out of trouble.