Here in the UK, potholes seem to be a fact of the driving life. You’d be hard-pressed to go for a drive without coming across at least one pothole somewhere along the way. Even with councils predicted to have filled the equivalent of one pothole every 19 seconds last year alone, more and more potholes are cropping up every day. Potholes are not only unpleasant to drive over, but can cause damage to key parts of the vehicle, from the wheels themselves through to the suspension and in some cases, can even result in costly vehicle repairs. If you’re unsure on just what kind of damage potholes can cause, we’ve compiled a list to watch out for if you hit one while out and about.

Suspension

Your vehicle’s suspension is designed to absorb the impacts that come with driving, whether that’s a dip in the tarmac or a bump in the road. It’s designed to offer you a smoother driving experience and protect the rest of the car from harsh impacts but, as with all parts of your vehicle, your suspension has its limits and can only handle so much. When we hit potholes, the impact is often sudden and jarring, which can cause issues with the suspension including alignment issues, broken joins or damaged parts that will make driving unpleasant and, in a lot of cases, even dangerous.

Tyres

Tyres take the brunt of the blow from potholes when you drive over them, and understandably so. However, what many drivers don’t always realise is just how extensive the damage can be even if it isn’t immediately noticeable. The hard edge of a pothole can compress the tyre when it hits, which can ultimately lead to damage such as tread separation, sidewall bulges and, in some cases, even a flat tyre. The hit can either damage the rubber itself, or snap the belts that 

Wheels

Your tyres aren’t the only things at risk when it comes to hitting potholes – the wheels themselves are another key feature in the firing line. Deep or jagged potholes can force your wheels to turn in ways they shouldn’t or can apply enough pressure to cause cracks, chips, bends, scrapes and more. Damaged wheels won’t roll properly or could cause issues with the tyres themselves. If they’re bent, for example, the tyre may not be able to form a tight enough seal with the wheel to safely drive.

Bodywork

Low-body cars are particularly prone to damage to the bodywork caused by potholes. Deep potholes can scrape the underside of the vehicle, damage the bumpers or side skirts and more. The damage is typically cosmetic in nature, but should still be taken into consideration when it comes to avoiding potholes and ensuring that you drive safely.

Exhaust

Exhaust pipes run along the underside of your vehicle, which puts them at risk when driving on uneven surfaces. They are often one of the first things to be hit when you go over a deep pothole and, with enough impact, can become dangerously damaged. You could rip holes in the pipes, damage the muffler or even the catalytic converter, all of which can lead to loss of power, unpleasant sounds and smells and ultimately, toxic fumes being exhumed into the air or, in some cases, into the vehicle.

If you’ve hit a pothole and are concerned about the damage it may have done to your vehicle, we are on hand to help. Get in touch to book your vehicle in for repairs, today.