How to tell if a pothole damaged your car and navigating the aftermath.

Negotiating the roads during the winter can make for a difficult journey, especially when faced with the menace of potholes. Potholes seem to be the hot road topic of the winter with a record amount of money spent on repairs caused by around one million potholes on the UK roads!

In this blog post, we discuss car damage caused by potholes and how it will affect your car, water-filled potholes, the dangers of hitting a pothole – plus a guide to recognising signs of damage to your vehicle.

We’ll explore the importance of reporting potholes to local authorities, and the role we at Tivoli Auto Services play in inspecting and repairing pothole-induced damage.

The Risks of Hitting a Pothole

The experience of hitting a pothole can be jarring, both physically and financially. The impact of these seemingly innocent holes on the road surface goes beyond the immediate inconvenience. It can also lead to damage to your car that may go unnoticed. Understanding the potential hazards, spotting signs of damage and how to tell if a pothole damaged your car, is important to ensure the longevity of your vehicle.

Dangers of Deep of Water-Filled Potholes

While all potholes pose risks, deep potholes filled with water amplify the dangers. When a pothole is full of water, it becomes invisible, meaning it is difficult to spot the deep hole in the road, impacting on both road safety and maintenance efforts.

With the colder winter weather, this water can also freeze, escalating road dangers by creating icy surfaces that increase the risk of skidding.

These water-filled craters cause a significant hazard, with an increased likelihood of accidents, damage to your vehicle, as well as interruptions from road repairs.

Recognising the Signs of Damage to Your Car

1. Steering Wheel Misalignment: A Tell-tale Sign

One of the immediate indicators of pothole damage is a misaligned steering wheel. If your vehicle pulls to one side, or you find yourself constantly adjusting the steering to keep the car straight, it’s a clear sign that hitting a pothole has taken a toll on your wheel alignment.

2. Uneven Tyre Wear: The Silent Consequence

Potholes can wreak havoc on your tyres, causing uneven wear. Regularly inspecting your tyres for bulges, cuts, or irregular patterns can help you identify potential pothole damage before it escalates.

3. Handling Issues: Pulling to One Side

If your vehicle pulls to one side when driving, it indicates an imbalance in the suspension system. This could be the result of hitting a pothole, causing damage to car suspension that requires prompt inspection and repair.

Report Potholes to Local Authorities

Local councils and authorities are responsible for maintaining the road infrastructure, making it imperative to report potholes promptly. Responsible road maintenance contributes not only to driver safety but also to the longevity of vehicles navigating the roads.

Reporting potholes to the local authorities is very important whenever you come across one while driving. The process of reporting a pothole is simplified through platforms provided by the local council (see your local council website). By actively participating in the reporting process, you contribute to the collective effort to maintain road surfaces and prevent potential damage to vehicles.

If the Council does not know about a particular pothole, from you recording the details – (just snap a picture) – or another driver, they won’t agree to compensate you for the cost of repairing any damage to your vehicle.

Report a pothole in East Sussex.

The Growing Financial Toll of Pothole Damage

Recent statistics reveal a disheartening truth – the amount of money spent on pothole damage has doubled in recent years. Beyond the inconvenience of bumpy rides, the financial implications of pothole damage are substantial. It is important to urgently tackle the underlying reasons behind these road dangers. There are approximately one million potholes on UK roads, and these potholes are a leading cause of vehicle breakdowns.

National Pothole Day!

National Pothole Day on Monday 15th January 2024, serves to draw awareness to the growing menace of potholes on our highways. Manoeuvring around potholes is pretty frustrating, and becomes even worse in heavy rain, hence the need for as much attention as possible to the ever-growing problem of potholes!

Car Insurance and Pothole Damage

In some cases, pothole damage may be covered by your car insurance. Understanding the terms and conditions of your policy is essential in ensuring you receive the necessary coverage for inspection and repair costs. Contacting your insurance provider promptly after hitting a pothole can expedite the claims process.

Navigating Pothole Damage with Tivoli Auto Services: Your Partner in Inspection and Repair

Hitting a pothole is an unavoidable reality on UK roads. Recognising the signs of damage to your car, reporting potholes to local authorities, and seeking prompt inspection and repair from Tivoli Auto Services is crucial in mitigating the aftermath of pothole damage.

Contact Tivoli on 01424 442277 for efficient pothole repair services. Our skilled mechanics conduct thorough inspections to identify and address any damage caused by hitting a pothole – from tyre issues and suspension problems to wheel alignment.

Tivoli Auto Services is your go-to solution for how to tell if a pothole damaged your car, and addressing pothole-induced damage to your vehicle.