If you’re a motorist in the UK, you don’t need to be told that we have a pothole problem. The country has seen a rise in potholes due to a combination of aging roads, extreme weather conditions and underfunded maintenance. Frequent cycles of heavy rain, frost and heat cause roads to expand and contract, leading to cracks that develop into potholes. Increased traffic, particularly from heavy goods vehicles, only serves to worsen the damage.
Sadly, local councils often lack sufficient funding to repair roads quickly, causing potholes to multiply. Temporary patching instead of long-term resurfacing also contributes to recurring issues. With budget constraints and climate change increasing weather extremes, potholes remain a growing problem for UK roads and drivers.
Look after the tyres and the tyres will look after you
Potholes can cause significant damage to a car, leading to costly repairs and safety concerns. When a vehicle comes into contact with one, the impact can affect multiple components, including the tyres, wheels, suspension and alignment. These issues can happen to any car, whether it runs on petrol, diesel, hydrogen, electricity or is a hybrid.
One of the most common issues is tyre damage. A deep pothole can cause a blowout, sidewall bulges or tread separation, making the tyre unsafe to use. Wheels can also suffer from cracks, bends or dents, which may lead to air leaks and reduced stability. Your tyres are the only part of your car that come into contact with the road surface, and as a result they should always be in good condition.
The suspension system, which absorbs shocks and ensures a smooth ride, is highly vulnerable to potholes. Repeated impacts can weaken struts, shocks and control arms, leading to poor handling and an uncomfortable ride. In severe cases, broken suspension components can make the vehicle unsafe to drive.
A wheel alignment check is an absolute must!
Potholes can also knock a car’s alignment out of place in a major way, causing uneven tyre wear and steering problems. Misalignment can make the vehicle pull to one side, reducing control and increasing the risk of an accident. In such cases, you as a driver may not even be aware that you have a problem.
Getting a wheel alignment check at this time is crucial to ensure your car’s safety and performance. This will then avoid the problems of uneven tyre wear, poor handling and reduced fuel efficiency. It also puts extra strain on suspension components, leading to premature degradation and, inevitably, expensive repairs. A wheel alignment check helps restore proper balance, ensuring a smoother, safer ride while preventing further damage to tyres and suspension.
Regular checks can save a significant sum of money in the long run. Thankfully, the automotive sector is home to a plethora of repair garages that contain the most up-to-date equipment designed to check and repair everything from wheel alignment to brake damage.
