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If you’ve driven around Shropshire recently, you’ve likely come across a pothole. Whether you’re making a quick trip to the shops, travelling through country lanes or making a long-distance trip on the motorway, the chances of encountering a pothole have become a common occurrence for all drivers.
Most potholes are only ever a minor inconvenience, whereas others can pose a risk of some serious damage to your car. If you’ve recently hit a pothole in Shropshire, this article clearly guides you through what you need to know, who you need to contact, and how you can best assess your car for damage and make a claim for compensation.
What damage can a pothole cause?
Potholes aren’t immediately threatening to your car; however, when hit at high speeds can cause possible damage to the car's body or wheels. Modern cars offer excellent suspension systems, which allow the car to absorb the shock; however, deep potholes can still cause damage. Examples of pothole-related issues include:
- Tyre punctures
- Tyre sidewall bulges
- Cracked or buckled alloy wheels
- Wheel alignment problems
- Damaged suspension components
- Worn shock absorbers and springs
- Steering issues
What should you do immediately after hitting a pothole?
In most cases, drivers will continue to drive after hitting a pothole, however, taking a few extra minutes to safely park and inspect your vehicle can save you from any large or unexpected bills later down the line.
If it’s safe to do so, we recommend checking the following:
- Bulges or cuts in the tyre walls
- Loss of tyre pressure
- Dents or cracks in alloy wheels
- Any obvious fluid leaks under the car
It’s also important to pay attention to how the car drives after hitting the pothole. If you notice any unusual changes or noises coming from the car, it’s always worth arranging an inspection.
How to know if your car has been damaged
The severity of the damage depends on several factors, from the condition of your car to the size of the pothole. Whilst some issues may become immediately apparent, other faults may start to show after some time. These issues include:
- Vibrations through the steering wheel
- The vehicle pulling to one side
- Uneven tyre wear
- Knocking or clunking noises over bumps
- Reduced handling or steering
If your car experiences any of these issues, it’s important that you have it seen by a professional immediately.
Can I claim compensation for pothole damage?
If you’ve hit a pothole and damage has been done to your car, you may be able to claim compensation through the authority responsible for maintaining the road.
In Shropshire, the roads are maintained by Shropshire Council, so it’s important to gather as much information and evidence as you can before making your claim. This should include:
- Photographs of the pothole
- Photographs of the damage to your vehicle
- The exact location of the pothole
- The date and time of the incident
- Repair invoices and receipts
- Dashcam footage (if available)
Like any claim, the more evidence you can collect, the stronger your case will be. However, it’s important to note that compensation is not guaranteed. If Shropshire Council can demonstrate that it took necessary steps to maintain the road, the claim may be rejected.
Don’t ignore wheel alignment problems
A commonly overlooked consequence of hitting a pothole is wheel misalignment. This refers to the angles in which your wheels sit in relation to the road and the car's body, and although precise, can be knocked out of alignment if a sudden impact occurs.
To determine if your wheels are out of alignment after hitting a pothole, check for:
- The steering wheel is off-centre
- The vehicle drifting left or right
- Uneven tyre wear
- Reduced fuel economy
Many drivers continue to use their car without realising their wheels are misaligned. This can lead to premature tyre wear and increased petrol consumption, which can become far more expensive to resolve than merely realigning the wheels.
How to reduce the risk of pothole damage
Whilst it’s not possible to avoid every pothole, there are some small but effective steps you can take to ensure the safety of you and your car. Keeping your tyres correctly inflated will help the car absorb shocks more effectively, as well as adhering to the speed limit, and slowing down on unfamiliar roads or roads with poor or neglected surfaces can help reduce the overall force the car takes on. Another tip is to leave a good amount of distance between you and the car in front of you so that you can spot and avoid any large potholes when necessary.
It’s also recommended to check your tyres regularly for signs of damage or wear to the treads, particularly after driving on any rough roads or terrain. Regular maintenance will not help you to avoid each and every pothole, but by ensuring the condition of your car, you can identify any potential issue in good time and avoid any costly repairs in the future.
Final thoughts
Potholes are an unfortunate risk of driving in Shropshire, and whilst it’s become a day-to-day occurrence, we should not ignore the potential impact they may have on our vehicles. The key is not to ignore any warning signs and to respond immediately, making sure to have the car checked and repaired in the event of any damage.
At Longmynd Service Station, we can check for any pothole-related damage, making sure to check the wheel alignment, steering, suspension components, and inspect your tyres to ensure your car remains safe, comfortable and road-worthy.