Top Tips For Avoiding Pothole Damage
Potholes: the silent enemy of smooth driving. One minute you're cruising along, and the next - BANG! - your wheel has taken a direct hit, your suspension is crying, and your wallet is about to feel the pain.
Unfortunately, you’re not alone. Pothole-related repair costs surged past £1.76 billion last year, with nearly one in four drivers suffering damage to their tyres, wheels, or suspension. And with road maintenance budgets stretched thin, the situation isn’t improving anytime soon.
While we can’t fix the roads ourselves (as much as we’d like to), we can help you avoid unnecessary damage. Here’s how to keep your car safe from pothole trouble in 2025:
1. Stay Alert and Scan the Road Ahead
Potholes don’t always announce themselves - they hide in shadows, disguise themselves as puddles, and catch drivers off guard. To avoid a nasty surprise, keep your eyes on the road and look out for dips, cracks, or darker patches that could indicate a pothole.
Pro tip: If you’re driving at night or in bad weather, use dipped headlights instead of full beams. This helps create contrast and makes potholes easier to spot.
2. Give Yourself Room to React
Driving too close to the car ahead limits your ability to see potholes in time to avoid them. Keep a safe distance so you have enough time to steer clear of any unexpected road hazards.
3. Reduce Speed - But Don’t Slam the Brakes
If dodging a pothole isn’t an option, slow down before impact to reduce the force on your wheels and suspension. However, avoid braking at the moment of impact - keeping your tyres rolling helps distribute the shock more evenly and minimises damage.
4. Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated
Your tyres are your first line of defence against potholes, but only if they’re at the right pressure. Underinflated tyres absorb less impact and are more likely to suffer sidewall damage. Overinflated tyres, on the other hand, can be too stiff and prone to blowouts.
Check your tyre pressure regularly and keep it within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
5. Be Wary of Water-Filled Potholes
A seemingly harmless puddle could be hiding a deep pothole that’s ready to wreak havoc on your wheels. When in doubt, approach slowly and be prepared for a bumpy surprise.
6. Check for Damage After a Pothole Hit
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you’ll hit a pothole. When that happens, don’t just keep driving and hope for the best - take a moment to check for signs of damage.
Warning signs to look out for:
- A sudden drop in tyre pressure
- Visible damage to the tyre or alloy wheel
- The car pulling to one side
- Unusual vibrations or knocking sounds
If you notice any of these, get your vehicle checked before a small issue turns into an expensive repair.
7. Report Potholes - Help Get Them Fixed
We’ve all driven over potholes that make us wonder how on earth is that still there? The truth is, many potholes go unrepaired because they haven’t been reported.
Help make the roads safer by reporting potholes to your local council via FixMyStreet or your local authority’s website.
Pothole Damage is Expensive – Protect Your Tyres & Alloys
Even with the best driving habits, some potholes are simply unavoidable. One bad impact can leave you with a punctured tyre, a cracked alloy, or even costly wheel misalignment.
That’s why MotorEasy’s Alloy Wheel & Tyre Insurance exists. It’s designed to cover pothole damage, kerb impacts, and road debris, saving you from unexpected repair bills.
Why it’s a smart choice:
- Covers alloy wheel and tyre repairs - including pothole damage
- Saves you from costly out-of-pocket expenses
- Quick and straightforward claims process
- Peace of mind every time you drive
Don’t let potholes ruin your day - or your wallet.
The Pothole Problem: Will It Ever Be Solved?
Unfortunately, potholes aren’t going away anytime soon. Experts estimate it would take £16.3 billion to restore UK roads to a good condition, but funding shortages mean repairs are falling behind.
Since we can’t rely on a quick fix, the best way to protect your vehicle is to drive cautiously, stay alert, and make sure you’re covered for unexpected pothole damage.
