Potholes are one of the most common hazards UK drivers face – and they’re more than just an annoyance. From damaging tyres and suspension to causing costly repairs and even road accidents, these nasty road imperfections can have serious consequences. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to the shops, or setting off on a long journey, knowing how to avoid, navigate, and report potholes safely can save you time, money and stress.
In this friendly, practical guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dealing with potholes – including why they’re dangerous, how to prevent damage to your car, what to do if you do hit one, insurance options, and how to report potholes to local authorities. Let’s get started!
Why Potholes Pose a Serious Risk to Your Car
Potholes start as small cracks in the road surface, but over time, water, traffic and changing weather conditions make them bigger and deeper. Here’s why they’re such an issue:
- Tyre Damage: The impact of a pothole can cause cuts, bulges or even a blowout – and tyres are your car’s only connection to the road. For tips on keeping your tyres in top shape, check out our guide to tyre safety and performance.
- Wheel and Suspension Damage: Hitting a deep pothole can bend alloy wheels and place stress on suspension components like struts, springs and control arms.
- Steering Misalignment: Even a seemingly minor pothole impact can knock your wheels out of alignment, which affects handling and tyre wear.
- Undercarriage & Body Damage: At higher speeds, a pothole can scrape or dent the underside of your car.
Because potholes are often unexpected and hard to see at night or in poor weather, they pose a danger not just to your vehicle but also to other road users if you brake or swerve suddenly.
How to Avoid Potholes Safely
You can’t always avoid every pothole – but with some awareness and practical driving habits, you can minimise the risk:
Stay Alert and Scan Ahead
Look well ahead in your lane so you spot surface issues early. Anticipating hazards gives you more time to react safely.
Slow Down
If you see a pothole, reducing your speed can significantly lessen the impact. The slower you go, the lower the force transferred to your car’s suspension and tyres.
Keep a Safe Following Distance
Tailgating not only reduces your reaction time, it also limits your view of the road ahead. Leaving enough space allows you to see and respond to potholes without abrupt braking.
Steer Around Them (When Safe)
If traffic conditions allow, gently steer around a pothole – but only do this if it’s safe and doesn’t put you in the path of another vehicle or cyclist.
Don’t Brake Over a Pothole
Braking directly over a pothole can increase damage. Instead, slow down before you reach it and then maintain a steady speed through it.
How to Drive Over a Pothole Safely (When You Can’t Avoid It)
Sometimes, avoidance isn’t possible. In that case:
- Drive Straight Over It: Hitting head-on distributes impact evenly across the wheel.
- Stay Calm: Sudden swerves can cause more harm than the pothole itself.
- Grip the Steering Wheel Firmly: This helps maintain control.
- Don’t Brake Hard: Apply light braking beforehand to reduce speed.
After you’ve passed the pothole, give your car a quick once-over from a safe place:
- Listen for any unusual noises.
- Check steering feel and wheel alignment.
- Look at your tyres for visible damage.
Post-Pothole: Checking Your Car for Damage
After an impact, some issues can be subtle. Here’s what to check:
Tyres
Look for bulges, cuts, or punctures. If you’re in any doubt about their safety, have them inspected or replaced.
Wheels
Check for obvious bends or cracks in alloy wheels.
Steering & Suspension
If your car pulls to one side, feels unstable, or bounces excessively, have the suspension and alignment checked.
Dashboard Warnings
Pay attention to any warnings, and don’t ignore them.
Regular checks are essential, especially if you frequently drive in pothole-prone areas. Prevention and regular care can spare you larger problems down the line.
What to Do If a Pothole damages Your Car
Even the most cautious driver can fall victim to a pothole. Here’s how to handle it:
1. Stop Safely
Pull over safely and inspect the damage. Take photos if possible – they can be helpful later for insurance claims or reporting.
2. Document the Scene
Make a note of:
- Location (nearest postcode or road junction)
- Time and date
- Weather and road conditions
- Size and depth of the pothole
- Any traffic signs or markings nearby
3. Report the Pothole (More on This Below)
Reporting helps local councils fix the issue and prevent future damage.
4. Insurance Options
If the damage is serious, you may be able to claim through your car insurance. Learn more about your cover with our “quick guide to car insurance”.
Keep in mind that claiming through insurance could affect your premiums and potentially your no claims discount, so weigh up the cost of repairs versus the impact of a claim.
How to Report a Pothole in the UK
Reporting potholes helps local councils repair roads sooner and keeps everyone safer. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Use Your Local Council Website
Most councils in the UK have an online reporting tool where you can pinpoint the exact location of the pothole on a map and upload photos.
2. Try National Platforms
There are several national systems and apps that aggregate reports and pass them to the relevant authority.
3. Call It In
Some councils still accept telephone reports. Look up your local authority’s highways number.
4. Provide Clear Details
When reporting, include:
- Exact location (road name and nearest postcode)
- Depth and width of the pothole
- Photos (ideally with a ruler or object for scale)
- Any nearby hazards like blind bends or poor lighting
The more precise your report, the easier it is for road maintenance teams to prioritise and fix the problem.
Protecting Your Car Beyond Potholes
Pothole damage is just one of many challenges your car might face. Be sure you’re covered across all areas of motoring, including long-term peace of mind with products like car warranties – learn more in our guide to what is car warranty.
Regular servicing, checks and responsible driving all build confidence on the road and help protect your investment.
Be Prepared, Stay Safe
Potholes might be unavoidable at times, but with smart driving, regular vehicle checks and proper reporting, you can significantly reduce the risk and impact of these road hazards. Stay vigilant, slow down where needed, and always put safety first.
If you’ve recently encountered pothole damage and need advice on repairs, feel free to reach out – we’re here to help you keep moving safely, mile after mile.
