Pothole Tyre & Wheel Damage: What to Do After a Hit

Salek Tyre & Mechanic · Ashford TW15 · 07341 216705

Potholes are one of the most common causes of tyre and wheel damage on UK roads and Ashford's roads are no exception. If you've just hit a pothole and aren't sure whether it's safe to drive on, here's exactly what to check and what the damage might mean for your tyres, wheels, and alignment.

What to do immediately after hitting a pothole

The seconds after impact matter. Here's what to do in order:

1. Don't panic-brake. Braking hard immediately after impact can cause you to lose control. Ease off gently and pull over when it's safe to do so.
2. Check the steering immediately. Does the car pull hard to one side? Is the steering wheel shaking violently? If yes, slow down carefully and pull over something has likely failed.
3. Park safely and inspect the tyre visually. Look at all four tyres, not just the one that hit the pothole the shock can transmit through the suspension.
4. Check the tyre pressure. If you have a pressure gauge or your car has a TPMS warning light, check it. A sudden drop means puncture or a pinch flat.
5. Look at the rim. Crouch down and check the wheel for visible dents, cracks, or flat sections on the rim edge.

Types of pothole damage to look for

Tyre bulge (sidewall bubble)

This is the most serious and most common pothole injury. A bulge on the sidewall of the tyre means the internal cords of the tyre have snapped under the impact, creating a weak pocket that can fail without warning. A tyre with a sidewall bulge must be replaced immediately it cannot be repaired and will fail, often at motorway speed.

To check: run your hand around the sidewall (inside and outside) and look for any bump or bubble. Even a small one is dangerous.

Sidewall cut or scrape

If the pothole had a sharp edge, it can cut into the sidewall rubber. Minor surface scrapes are cosmetic, but any cut that exposes the inner cords (you'll see fabric or wire below the rubber surface) means the tyre needs replacement.

Pinch flat (tyre puncture from impact)

A pinch flat happens when the tyre is compressed against the rim edge hard enough to pierce the inner tube or tyre inner liner. The tyre may deflate slowly or immediately. Unlike a nail puncture, pinch flat damage is often in the sidewall or bead area meaning it usually cannot be repaired under BS AU 159g guidelines.

Bent or cracked rim

Alloy wheels are lighter and look better than steel wheels, but they crack more easily under pothole impact. Steel wheels tend to bend rather than crack. Signs of a damaged rim include:

• A slow puncture that comes back even after you've had the tyre repaired
• A vibration that develops at a particular speed after the impact
• A visible flat or dented section on the rim when you look closely

A cracked alloy must be replaced. A mildly bent steel rim can sometimes be straightened by a specialist, but this is only appropriate for minor bends structural integrity must be confirmed first.

Wheel alignment knocked out

Even when the tyre and wheel look undamaged, a pothole impact can knock your wheel alignment (tracking) out of spec. Signs this has happened:

• The car pulls to the left or right without you turning the wheel
• The steering wheel is no longer straight when driving on a level road
• Your tyres start wearing unevenly on the inside or outside edge over the following weeks

Misaligned wheels don't self-correct. Get your tracking checked after any significant pothole hit before the uneven wear eats into an otherwise good set of tyres. See our service: Wheel Alignment in Ashford.

Wheel balance disturbed

Pothole impact can knock off the small counterweights clipped to your rim, causing imbalance. This shows up as steering wheel vibration at 50–70 mph that wasn't there before the impact. A quick balancing check resolves this. See: Wheel Balancing in Ashford.

Is it safe to drive after hitting a pothole?

Use this quick checklist:

• ✓ Tyre fully inflated, no visible bulge, no sidewall cut probably safe to drive carefully to a garage for inspection
• ✗ Tyre deflating or already flat do not drive, use spare or call for assistance
• ✗ Visible sidewall bulge, even small do not drive, tyre must be replaced
• ✗ Car pulling sharply to one side slow down and pull over, possible tyre or suspension failure
• ✗ Steering wheel violently shaking at speed reduce speed and get inspected as soon as possible

When in doubt, don't drive on it. Call us on 07341 216705 and we'll advise you.

Get your car checked in Ashford after a pothole hit

At Salek Tyre & Mechanic on Feltham Road, we offer:

• Tyre inspection and replacement if needed from £15 fitted
• Wheel balancing check from £10 per wheel
• Wheel alignment check and adjustment from £40
• Written damage report if you're making a pothole compensation claim

Walk-ins welcome for tyre and wheel checks. Open Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 10am–6pm.

Frequently asked questions pothole damage